Butterfly / Nonmachinable
$1.31
Covers a qualifying U.S. letter up to 1 oz, including the nonmachinable surcharge.
Over 1 oz? Add weight postage.
For eligible U.S. nonmachinable letters. Mailing requirements
Rates checked Oct 9, 2026 · USPS rates ↗
Know your stamps
Pick the right little helper for your mail.
Additional Ounce
$0.29
Adds postage for each extra ounce or fraction above the first ounce.
Use with a main stamp. Not by itself.
Forever
$0.82
Covers a standard U.S. letter up to 1 oz.
Nonmachinable mail needs extra postage.
Check the words, not just the picture
Stamp designs change. Look for “Forever,” “Additional Ounce,” or “Non-Machinable Surcharge.” Buy real postage from USPS; these illustrations are just friendly examples.
Values shown are current postage values.
Rates checked Oct 9, 2026 · USPS rates ↗
Mailing made simple
A handy refresher before your cards head out.
1Pack with care
- Protect the cards and keep them from sliding.
- Keep the envelope flat and evenly filled.
Loose hard plastic cases can tear paper envelopes. Need sturdier protection? Check Packages.
2Check the size. Weigh it sealed.
- Length
- 5–11½ inches
- Height
- 3½–6⅛ inches
- Thickness
- Up to ¼ inch (6.35 mm)
- Weight
- Up to 3.5 oz (about 99.2 g)
Measure the finished envelope. Include all cards and packing materials in the weight.
Over 3.5 oz? Letter-rate postage no longer applies. Other mail categories have different rules.
3Give it a clear address
Your return
addressRecipient name
Street address · Apartment
City, State ZIP Code
address
Street address · Apartment
City, State ZIP Code
Include the recipient’s name, street address, apartment if needed, city, state, and ZIP code.
4Add postage, then send
- Up to 1 oz: one nonmachinable stamp covers an eligible U.S. letter.
- Over 1 oz: use Calculate to find the extra postage.
- With the correct postage and addresses, use your outgoing mailbox, a USPS collection box, or a Post Office.
5A stamp is not tracking
Ordinary stamped letters do not include USPS tracking or insurance. For tracking or sturdier packaging, explore package services.
Physical checks happen before you calculate. Paying a surcharge does not override mailing requirements.
USPS letter standards ↗ · Mailing guide ↗
Checked Oct 9, 2026
A little more room to ship
When a letter won’t work, here’s your next step.
1When to explore packages
- You need sturdier protection or bulkier packaging.
- You want tracking for the shipment.
Over 3.5 oz alone does not automatically mean a package. Large-envelope rules are different.
2Compare your options
USPS Ground Advantage
Use your own suitable padded mailer or box.
- Expected 2–5 business days
- Tracking included
- $100 insurance included
Priority Mail
Flat Rate packaging is also available.
- Expected 2–3 days
- Tracking included
- Up to $100 insurance on most shipments
Delivery estimates are not guarantees. Insurance terms and exclusions apply.
3Buy a label online
Pirate Ship
Compare USPS and UPS labels. No subscription or added label fee; pay for postage.
Open Pirate Ship ↗
USPS Price Calculator
Check retail estimates before buying. Online label prices may differ.
Check USPS prices ↗Links open outside Stamp Buddy. Payments happen on the provider’s website.
4Have these ready
- Sending and receiving ZIP codes
- Packed weight
- Package length, width, and height
- Recipient address
No printer? Eligible Click-N-Ship labels can use Label Broker printing ↗ at a participating Post Office.
5Pack, label, send
- Protect the cards.
- Stop them from shifting.
- Weigh and measure the sealed package.
- Attach the purchased label flat.
Place the label on a broad, flat surface, not over an edge. A purchased shipping label includes postage.
Checked Oct 9, 2026 · Confirm prices and eligibility with your label provider.