Sending a manila envelope often presents a challenge for mailers attempting to determine the correct postage. Unlike a standard letter, the manila envelope’s size, thickness, and weight can vary significantly, which directly impacts the required number of stamps. This variability frequently leads to confusion about whether the item qualifies as a letter or a large envelope. Calculating the necessary postage involves assessing the envelope’s physical characteristics. This guide clarifies the postal standards and surcharges that determine the final cost of mailing your manila envelope.
The Standard 1-Ounce Rate
The baseline for calculating postage begins with the standard First-Class Mail rate, which applies to items weighing up to one ounce. A single Forever Stamp covers this initial weight threshold for a standard-sized letter, and the current value of a Forever Stamp is $0.78. For a manila envelope to qualify for this lowest rate, it must meet the size and thickness requirements of a standard letter. This means it must be flexible, no thicker than 0.25 inches, and fall within maximum dimensions of 11.5 inches in length and 6.125 inches in height.
If the manila envelope is very light, containing only a few sheets of paper, one stamp may be sufficient. The one-ounce limit is a strict physical measurement, and exceeding it by even a fraction of an ounce will require additional postage. The envelope must also be rectangular and not contain any rigid or lumpy contents to be processed as a standard letter.
Calculating Postage for Heavier Envelopes
The most common reason a manila envelope requires more than one stamp is that its contents push the total weight beyond the initial one-ounce limit. Once the envelope exceeds 1.0 ounce, an additional postage rate is applied for every subsequent ounce or fraction thereof. The current cost for each additional ounce is $0.29. This incremental cost structure means that the total postage increases linearly with the weight of the contents.
To accurately determine the total postage, the envelope should be weighed using a precise scale, such as a kitchen scale or a dedicated postal scale. For example, a manila envelope weighing 3.0 ounces would require the initial $0.78 rate plus two additional ounce charges, totaling $1.36 in postage. Instead of using multiple full-price Forever Stamps, mailers can use lower-denomination stamps, such as 15-cent or 29-cent stamps, to meet the exact calculated postage requirement.
Understanding the Non-Machinable Surcharge
A second major factor that increases the postage for a manila envelope is the non-machinable surcharge, which is applied when the item cannot be processed automatically by postal sorting equipment. This surcharge is currently $0.46 and is added to the total postage calculated based on weight. An envelope is classified as non-machinable if it is too rigid, contains lumpy items like keys or pens, or has non-paper closures such as clasps or string ties.
Even a manila envelope weighing less than one ounce will require this surcharge if it meets the non-machinable criteria. The surcharge also applies if the envelope is too thick for its size, exceeding the maximum thickness-to-length ratio that the machines can handle. The final postage calculation involves starting with the base rate, adding the cost for any weight over one ounce, and finally including the non-machinable surcharge if applicable. If the manila envelope is bulky or contains irregular items, visiting a post office for an exact postage calculation is the most reliable way to ensure proper delivery.