USPS Rate and Delivery Time Calculator
Calculate shipping costs and delivery times together. Compare USPS rates for Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, First-Class, and all other services with our free calculator.
From $0.73
First-Class letter
Up to 70 lbs
Max weight
9 Zones
Distance pricing
Calculate Shipping Rate & Delivery Time
Enter your ZIP codes to see delivery times. For exact rates, use the official USPS rate calculator.
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.
2025 USPS Rate Chart
Current rates for popular USPS services. Commercial rates require shipping software.
| Service | Retail | Commercial | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Letter (1 oz) | $0.73 | $0.73 | 1-5 days |
| First-Class Large Envelope | $1.50 | $1.35 | 1-5 days |
| Ground Advantage (1 lb) | ~$4.50 | ~$3.50 | 2-5 days |
| Priority Mail (1 lb) | ~$9.00 | ~$7.50 | 1-3 days |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope | $10.40 | $8.15 | 1-3 days |
| Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box | $10.85 | $8.70 | 1-3 days |
| Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box | $17.10 | $14.35 | 1-3 days |
| Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box | $22.45 | $19.95 | 1-3 days |
| Priority Mail Express (1 lb) | ~$30.00 | ~$25.00 | 1-2 days |
* Zone-based rates shown are estimates. Actual rates depend on origin/destination zones.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Options
Flat Rate boxes and envelopes ship for one price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) or destination. Great for heavy items shipping long distances.
| Box Type | Size | Retail | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelope | 12.5" x 9.5" | $10.40 | Documents, thin items |
| Small Flat Rate Box | 8.6" x 5.4" x 1.6" | $10.85 | Small heavy items |
| Medium Flat Rate Box (1) | 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" | $17.10 | Medium packages |
| Medium Flat Rate Box (2) | 13.6" x 11.9" x 3.4" | $17.10 | Flat items |
| Large Flat Rate Box | 12" x 12" x 5.5" | $22.45 | Heavy items to far zones |
Understanding USPS Zone Pricing
USPS uses zones 1-9 based on distance from origin. Zone 1 is local (same ZIP prefix), Zone 9 is coast-to-coast.
Zone-Based Services
- • Priority Mail (retail pricing)
- • Ground Advantage
- • Parcel Select
- • Priority Mail Express (retail)
Ignore Zones (Flat Rate)
- • Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes
- • Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes
- • First-Class Mail (letters)
- • Media Mail (weight-based only)
How to Save Money on USPS Shipping
1. Use Commercial Rates
Services like Pirate Ship or Stamps.com offer commercial rates 10-40% cheaper than Post Office counter rates. Free to sign up.
2. Use Flat Rate for Heavy/Far
Shipping something heavy to a far zone? Flat Rate boxes save money since price doesn't change with weight or distance.
3. Use Ground Advantage for Value
If delivery speed isn't critical, Ground Advantage offers the best balance of cost, tracking, and insurance.
4. Right-Size Your Packaging
Dimensional weight pricing means oversized boxes cost more. Use the smallest box that safely fits your item.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does USPS calculate shipping rates?
USPS rates are based on package weight, dimensions (dimensional weight for large packages), distance (zones 1-9), and service type. Flat Rate options ignore weight/distance for a single price. Commercial rates are lower than retail rates.
What is the cheapest USPS shipping option?
For letters, First-Class Mail at $0.73 is cheapest. For packages, Ground Advantage offers the best value for most shipments. Media Mail is cheapest for qualifying items (books, DVDs). Flat Rate boxes save money on heavy items.
How do USPS zones affect shipping cost?
USPS divides the US into 9 zones based on distance from origin. Zone 1 (local) is cheapest, Zone 9 (coast to coast) is most expensive. Each zone step increases the rate. Flat Rate ignores zones entirely.
Are USPS Commercial rates available to everyone?
Commercial rates require using USPS shipping software, approved postage meters, or authorized resellers like Stamps.com or Pirate Ship. These rates are 10-40% cheaper than retail counter rates.