USPS Shipping Calculator
Calculate USPS postage rates for Priority Mail, First-Class, Ground Advantage, and Priority Mail Express. Compare shipping costs based on weight, dimensions, and destination ZIP codes with accurate 2025 rates.
Package Details
Package Dimensions
Package Weight
USPS maximum weight is 70 lbs
Zone determines shipping distance. Zone 1 is local, Zone 9 is cross-country. Most shipments are Zone 4-6.
Select "All Services" to compare rates across all USPS options
Commercial rates are 8-10% cheaper than Post Office retail prices. Available when buying postage online.
All USPS services include up to $100 free insurance. Values over $100 require additional fees.
Shipping Rates
Best Shipping Options
Cheapest: Media Mail at $0 (2-8 business days)
Fastest: Priority Mail Express at $0 (Overnight to 2 business days)
Actual Weight
0.00 lbs
0 oz
Chargeable Weight
0.00 lbs
Using actual weight
Insurance Cost
Included
Up to $100 included
Service Rate Comparison
Priority Mail
2-3 business days
$0
- •Free tracking
- •Free insurance up to $100
- •Zone-based pricing
Priority Mail Express
FastestOvernight to 2 business days
$0
- •Overnight to most locations
- •Free tracking
- •Free insurance up to $100
- •Money-back guarantee
USPS Ground Advantage
2-5 business days
$0
- •Free tracking
- •Affordable ground shipping
- •Replaced First-Class Package in 2023
Media Mail
Cheapest2-8 business days
$0
- •Books, DVDs, CDs only
- •Cheapest for heavy media
- •Free tracking
Recommendations
- •Consider Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes for long distances - same price regardless of zone
- •Media Mail is only available for books, CDs, DVDs, and educational materials
- •Switch to Commercial Pricing (online/Click-N-Ship rates) to save 8-10%
Price vs. Speed Trade-off
Upgrading from Media Mail to Priority Mail Express:
Additional Cost
$0
701% increase
Time Savings
Faster delivery
Overnight to 2 business days vs 2-8 business days
Service Rate Comparison
Understanding USPS Shipping Services: Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Option
USPS Shipping Services Overview
The United States Postal Service offers multiple shipping options designed for different speed, cost, and package requirements. Understanding the differences between Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Ground Advantage, First-Class Package, and Media Mail helps you choose the most cost-effective service while meeting your delivery timeline needs.
Each service has specific size and weight limits, pricing structures, and delivery guarantees. Some services include free tracking and insurance, while others charge extra for these features. Choosing the right service can save you significant money, especially for high-volume shippers or ecommerce businesses shipping hundreds of packages monthly.
Priority Mail (1-3 Business Days)
Priority Mail is USPS's most popular shipping service, offering a balance of speed and affordability. It's the go-to choice for most ecommerce sellers and personal shippers who need reliable 1-3 day delivery at reasonable rates.
Key Features:
- •Free Tracking: All Priority Mail packages include USPS Tracking at no extra charge
- •Free Insurance: Includes up to $100 insurance coverage automatically
- •Flat Rate Options: Use Flat Rate boxes for predictable pricing regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs)
- •Free Packaging: USPS provides free Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and tubes
- •Weight Limit: Accepts packages up to 70 lbs
Best For:
- •Ecommerce businesses shipping products 1-5 lbs
- •Time-sensitive shipments that don't need overnight delivery
- •Heavy items under 70 lbs using Flat Rate boxes (saves money vs weight-based pricing)
- •Packages requiring tracking and insurance included
Priority Mail Express (1-2 Business Days)
Priority Mail Express is USPS's fastest service with overnight delivery to most locations. It's the only USPS service that offers a money-back guarantee if delivery is late.
Key Features:
- •Money-Back Guarantee: Full refund if not delivered on time
- •Overnight to Most Locations: Delivered the next day to most addresses
- •Free Insurance: Includes up to $100 insurance coverage
- •Weekend & Holiday Delivery: Available for an additional fee
- •Weight Limit: Accepts packages up to 70 lbs
Best For:
- •Critical shipments that must arrive next day
- •High-value items needing guaranteed delivery
- •Business documents and contracts requiring overnight delivery
- •When the money-back guarantee justifies the premium cost
USPS Ground Advantage (2-5 Business Days)
Ground Advantage is USPS's newest service, launched in 2023 to combine Retail Ground, First-Class Package Service, and Parcel Select Ground into one affordable option. It's ideal for cost-conscious shippers who can wait 2-5 days.
Key Features:
- •Free Tracking: Tracking included on all shipments
- •Affordable Rates: Cheaper than Priority Mail for most packages
- •Weight Limit: Accepts packages up to 70 lbs
- •Predictable Delivery: 2-5 business days to most destinations
Best For:
- •Budget-conscious shippers who don't need overnight or 2-day delivery
- •Ecommerce sellers shipping non-urgent products
- •Packages over 1 lb where First-Class isn't available
- •Replacing Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground for better tracking
First-Class Package Service (2-5 Business Days)
First-Class Package Service is the most affordable USPS option for lightweight packages under 1 lb. It's commonly used by small ecommerce sellers shipping clothing, accessories, and other light items.
Key Features:
- •Lowest Rates: Cheapest USPS option for packages under 1 lb
- •Free Tracking: Tracking included on all packages
- •Weight Limit: Only for packages up to 15.999 oz (just under 1 lb)
- •Delivery Speed: Same 2-5 business day delivery as Ground Advantage
Best For:
- •Lightweight packages under 1 lb (clothing, accessories, electronics)
- •Small ecommerce businesses shipping light products in high volume
- •Minimizing shipping costs on low-margin products
- •Non-urgent shipments where cost matters more than speed
Media Mail (2-8 Business Days)
Media Mail is a cost-effective option exclusively for shipping educational media materials like books, CDs, DVDs, and educational materials. It's significantly cheaper than other services but limited to specific content types and has slower delivery.
Key Features:
- •Lowest Cost: Cheapest option for heavy media items (books, DVDs)
- •Weight Limit: Accepts packages up to 70 lbs
- •Content Restrictions: Only books, DVDs, CDs, educational materials - subject to inspection
- •Slow Delivery: 2-8 business days, often on the longer end
Best For:
- •Book sellers shipping heavy textbooks or book bundles
- •DVD/CD/Blu-ray sellers shipping media collections
- •Educational materials and instructional content
- •Non-urgent shipments where cost savings outweigh slow delivery
How to Choose the Right USPS Service
Decision Framework
Follow this decision tree to select the optimal service:
- 1.Check Weight: If under 1 lb, First-Class Package is usually cheapest. Over 1 lb, compare Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail.
- 2.Delivery Speed: Need overnight? Use Priority Mail Express. Need 1-3 days? Priority Mail. Can wait 2-5 days? Ground Advantage or First-Class.
- 3.Content Type: Shipping books/DVDs? Check Media Mail for significant savings on heavy media.
- 4.Flat Rate vs Variable: For Priority Mail, compare Flat Rate box pricing vs weight-based. Flat Rate saves money on heavy items in small boxes.
- 5.Insurance Needs: All services include up to $50-100 free insurance. Higher values require additional insurance fees.
- 6.Volume Discounts: High-volume shippers qualify for Commercial Pricing (5-15% discount) through platforms like Pirate Ship or Stamps.com.
Cost Optimization Strategies
Smart shippers use these tactics to minimize shipping costs while maintaining reliable delivery:
- •Right-Size Packaging: Use the smallest box possible. Dimensional weight pricing penalizes oversized boxes for lightweight items. Reducing box dimensions by even 1 inch can drop you to a lower pricing tier.
- •Use Flat Rate Boxes: For heavy items under 70 lbs, Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes offer unlimited weight shipping. A 50 lb book shipment costs the same as a 5 lb shipment in the same box.
- •Buy Commercial Pricing: Third-party platforms like Pirate Ship, Stamps.com, or ShipStation offer USPS Commercial Pricing discounts without minimum volume requirements. Save 5-35% vs retail rates.
- •Batch Shipping: Schedule regular pickups instead of dropping packages at the Post Office. USPS provides free package pickup with Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.
- •Zone Optimization: Shipping costs increase with distance. If possible, store inventory closer to customers or use multiple warehouses in different zones.
Common USPS Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
Costly Errors That Increase Shipping Costs
- •Using Retail Rates: Paying retail counter prices instead of buying discounted labels online can cost 20-35% more per package.
- •Oversized Packaging: Using boxes that are too large increases dimensional weight charges. Always use the smallest box that safely fits your item.
- •Not Weighing Accurately: Underestimating weight leads to postage due charges. Invest in a shipping scale accurate to 0.1 oz.
- •Ignoring Flat Rate Options: For heavy items, Flat Rate boxes often cost less than weight-based pricing. Always compare both options.
- •Not Tracking Packages: All USPS services include free tracking. Always provide tracking to customers to reduce "lost package" claims.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right USPS shipping service requires balancing cost, speed, and reliability based on your specific needs. For most ecommerce sellers, Priority Mail offers the best combination of affordable rates and fast 1-3 day delivery with free tracking and insurance. Budget-conscious shippers benefit from Ground Advantage or First-Class Package for non-urgent shipments.
High-volume shippers should invest in discounted Commercial Pricing through third-party platforms to save 5-35% compared to retail rates. Always compare Flat Rate vs weight-based pricing for Priority Mail, as Flat Rate boxes can save significant money on heavy items.
Use this calculator to compare rates across all USPS services for your specific package dimensions and weight. Understanding the true cost of each option helps you make informed decisions that optimize both customer satisfaction and your shipping budget.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express?
Priority Mail delivers in 1-3 business days with no money-back guarantee, starting around $9. Priority Mail Express delivers overnight to most locations in 1-2 business days with a money-back guarantee if late, starting around $29. Express is 2-3x more expensive but includes guaranteed delivery timing. Choose Priority Mail for most shipments unless you absolutely need overnight delivery or the money-back guarantee justifies the premium cost.
When should I use USPS Ground Advantage vs Priority Mail?
Use Ground Advantage when cost matters more than speed and you can wait 2-5 days. It typically costs 20-40% less than Priority Mail. Use Priority Mail when you need 1-3 day delivery, free insurance up to $100, or are shipping to customers who expect faster delivery. For ecommerce, many sellers offer both options - Ground as standard shipping and Priority as an upgrade. The break-even point is usually around 2-3 lbs where Priority Mail becomes competitively priced.
How do USPS Flat Rate boxes work and when should I use them?
Flat Rate boxes charge a fixed price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) based only on box size. Small Flat Rate Box costs $10.20, Medium costs $17.05, Large costs $22.80. Use Flat Rate when shipping heavy items - a 50 lb shipment costs the same as a 5 lb shipment in the same box. Compare Flat Rate vs weight-based pricing using this calculator. Flat Rate saves money on items over 5-10 lbs depending on distance. USPS provides free Flat Rate boxes at any Post Office.
Can I use Media Mail for anything besides books and DVDs?
No. Media Mail is strictly limited to educational media: books, sheet music, sound recordings, educational videos, and printed educational materials. It CANNOT be used for: video games, advertising materials, magazines with advertising, toys, greeting cards, or merchandise. USPS can and does inspect Media Mail packages. Using Media Mail for non-media items violates postal regulations and can result in the recipient being charged full postage due. Only use Media Mail for legitimate educational content.
What is dimensional weight and how does it affect USPS pricing?
Dimensional weight is calculated as (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 166 for Priority Mail or ÷ 194 for other services. USPS charges based on whichever is greater - actual weight or dimensional weight. This prevents shippers from sending large, lightweight packages at low rates. For example, a 2 lb package measuring 20×20×12 inches has a dimensional weight of 29 lbs for Priority Mail. Always use the smallest box possible to minimize dimensional weight charges. Overpacking with excessive void fill dramatically increases costs.
How much does USPS charge for insurance on valuable packages?
Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express include free insurance up to $100. Additional insurance costs $2.70 for $50.01-$100, then approximately $1.50 per $100 of additional coverage. For example, insuring a $500 item costs around $8.70 total ($2.70 base + $6 for the additional $400). Insurance is optional but recommended for valuable items. Claims require proof of value and proof of mailing. Purchase insurance at the time of shipping - you cannot add it retroactively after a package is lost or damaged.
What are USPS Commercial Pricing discounts and how do I get them?
Commercial Pricing offers 5-35% discounts vs retail counter rates. You get Commercial Pricing by buying labels online through USPS.com, Pirate Ship, Stamps.com, ShipStation, or other shipping platforms. There are no minimum volume requirements or contracts - anyone can access Commercial Pricing instantly. For example, a Priority Mail package that costs $10.20 at retail might cost $8.65 with Commercial Pricing. High-volume shippers also qualify for Commercial Plus pricing for even deeper discounts through negotiated contracts.
Can I schedule a free USPS package pickup instead of going to the Post Office?
Yes. USPS offers free Package Pickup for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and international shipments. Schedule online at usps.com or through shipping platforms. Your mail carrier picks up packages during their normal delivery route - no extra trip needed. Pickup is available Monday-Saturday at no charge. You must have at least one Priority Mail or Express package for pickup, but can include Ground Advantage and other services in the same pickup. This saves time and is especially valuable for home-based businesses.
What happens if my USPS package is lost or damaged?
File a claim through USPS.com within the time limit (100 days for Priority Mail). You need proof of mailing (receipt) and proof of value (invoice, receipt, or bank statement). For domestic shipments, USPS investigates for 5-10 days. If approved, they issue payment for the insured value up to the insurance limit. Always keep shipping receipts and purchase insurance for valuable items. Priority Mail includes $100 insurance automatically. Without insurance, USPS liability is limited to $100 maximum even if the item was worth more.
How accurate is this USPS shipping calculator compared to actual rates?
This calculator provides estimated rates based on USPS 2025 pricing structures for commercial rates. Actual rates may vary based on: exact ZIP code distance (zones 1-9), precise package measurements, current USPS rate changes, and your specific discount tier (Retail, Commercial, or Commercial Plus). For exact quotes, use USPS.com or your shipping platform with actual origin/destination ZIP codes. This calculator is best for comparing services and estimating costs during product research or pricing decisions.
What is the maximum size and weight USPS will accept?
USPS weight limit is 70 lbs for most services. Size limit is based on length plus girth (2 × width + 2 × height). Maximum combined length and girth is 108 inches for Priority Mail and Ground. For example, a 48-inch long package can have a maximum girth of 60 inches. Packages exceeding these limits require USPS Retail Ground or freight services. Oversized packages also incur balloon rate surcharges. Always measure carefully - packages are measured at USPS facilities and oversize charges are billed retroactively.
Does USPS deliver on Saturdays and Sundays?
USPS delivers Priority Mail Express 7 days a week including Sundays and holidays for an additional fee. Regular Priority Mail delivers Monday-Saturday at no extra charge - packages sent Friday often deliver Saturday. Ground Advantage and First-Class Package deliver Monday-Saturday but typically not Sundays except during peak holiday season in select areas. No USPS services deliver on federal holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Plan accordingly for time-sensitive shipments around holidays.
Should I buy shipping labels online or at the Post Office counter?
Always buy online for significant savings. USPS Commercial Pricing online is 5-35% cheaper than retail counter rates. For example, Priority Mail at retail might cost $10.20 while the same package costs $8.65 online. You also avoid waiting in line, can print labels at home, schedule free pickups, and access better tracking. Use USPS.com, Pirate Ship (free, no subscription), Stamps.com, or ShipStation. The only reason to use the counter is if you need same-day pickup and your carrier already delivered, or you don't have a printer.
How do I determine my package's dimensional weight?
Measure the longest point of each side (length, width, height) in inches. Multiply L × W × H to get cubic inches. Divide by the dimensional weight divisor (166 for Priority Mail, 194 for Ground services). Compare this dimensional weight to actual weight - USPS charges whichever is greater. Example: 20×12×10 inch box = 2,400 cubic inches ÷ 166 = 14.5 lbs dimensional weight. If actual weight is 3 lbs, you pay for 14.5 lbs. Use poly mailers or right-sized boxes to minimize dimensional weight.
Can I reuse Priority Mail boxes for Ground Advantage or other services?
No. Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and tubes are only for Priority Mail shipments. Using Priority Mail packaging for Ground Advantage, First-Class, or other services violates USPS rules and results in the recipient being charged the Priority Mail rate. If you want free packaging for Ground Advantage, you must use plain boxes with no USPS branding or buy your own boxes. Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes are ONLY for Flat Rate service - you cannot use them for regular Priority Mail at weight-based rates either.