USPS Letter Delivery Time Calculator
Calculate how long it takes USPS to deliver a First-Class letter. Get delivery estimates based on origin and destination ZIP codes, plus current postage rates and mailing requirements.
First-Class Letter Delivery
1-5 Business Days
Most letters arrive in 2-3 days
Calculate Letter Delivery Time
Enter your ZIP codes to estimate how long your letter will take to arrive.
Upcoming USPS Non-Delivery Days:
- Sun, Dec 14 - Sunday - No regular mail delivery
Ready to Calculate
Enter your origin and destination ZIP codes above, then click "Calculate Delivery Time" to see estimated arrival dates for all USPS services.
How Long Does USPS Take to Deliver a Letter?
First-Class Mail letters typically deliver in 1-5 business days. Your actual delivery time depends on the distance between origin and destination:
1-2 Days
Local (same city)
2-3 Days
Regional (same state)
3-5 Days
Cross-country
Note: USPS delivery times for First-Class Mail are estimates, not guarantees. Letters may arrive sooner or take longer during holidays, severe weather, or high mail volume periods.
First-Class Letter Postage Rates (2024)
Current USPS postage rates for First-Class letters. Forever Stamps can be used for any 1 oz letter.
| Mail Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Letter (1 oz) | $0.73 | Forever Stamp |
| Letter (2 oz) | $1.01 | +$0.28 per oz |
| Letter (3 oz) | $1.29 | +$0.28 per oz |
| Letter (3.5 oz max) | $1.57 | Maximum weight |
| Postcard | $0.56 | Standard postcard |
| Non-machinable surcharge | +$0.49 | Square/rigid letters |
First-Class Letter Size Requirements
Letters must meet these specifications to qualify for letter rates:
Standard Letter Dimensions
- Length: 5" to 11.5"
- Height: 3.5" to 6.125"
- Thickness: 0.007" to 0.25"
- Weight: Up to 3.5 oz
Non-Machinable (+$0.49)
- Square envelopes
- Rigid or thick items (coins, keys)
- Uneven thickness (lumpy)
- Vertical orientation (portrait)
- Poly-wrapped or plastic materials
Tips for Faster Letter Delivery
- 1Buy Forever Stamps in bulk before price increases - they never expire
- 2Use standard rectangular envelopes to avoid the non-machinable surcharge
- 3Write the ZIP+4 code for potentially faster sorting and delivery
- 4Mail early in the day for same-day processing at your local post office
- 5Use blue USPS collection boxes for secure, weather-protected mailing
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does USPS take to deliver a letter?
USPS First-Class letters typically deliver in 1-5 business days. Local letters (same city) often arrive in 1-2 days, regional mail in 2-3 days, and cross-country letters in 3-5 days. Delivery times are estimates, not guarantees.
How much does it cost to mail a letter in 2024?
A standard First-Class letter (1 oz) costs $0.73 using a Forever Stamp. Each additional ounce costs $0.28. Postcards cost $0.56. Forever Stamps never expire and remain valid regardless of future price increases.
What size letter can I mail with a Forever Stamp?
A Forever Stamp covers letters up to 1 oz that are between 5-11.5 inches long, 3.5-6.125 inches high, and 0.007-0.25 inches thick. Square, rigid, or oversized letters may require additional postage.
Can I track a First-Class letter?
Standard First-Class letters do not include tracking. To track a letter, you must add Certified Mail ($4.85), USPS Tracking ($0.00 at retail counter with receipt), or use Priority Mail instead.