If you‘ve ever found yourself at the post office with a letter or card that weighs just slightly over 1 ounce, you may have been puzzled about what postage to use. A regular forever stamp covers the first ounce, but what about those pesky extra fractions of an ounce?
That‘s where USPS additional ounce stamps come to the rescue. These lesser-known but highly useful stamps are the most economical way to mail letters and cards up to 3.5 ounces. By understanding how additional ounce stamps work, you can save money on postage and ensure your mail gets delivered without delay.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about additional ounce stamps, including what they are, how to use them, where to buy them, and expert tips for always having the correct postage. Let‘s dive in!
What Are Additional Ounce Stamps?
Additional ounce stamps are a type of postage stamp issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Their purpose is to cover the cost of postage for letters and cards that weigh more than one ounce, up to a maximum of 3.5 ounces.
For context, a typical sheet of printer paper weighs about 0.16 ounces. So if you‘re mailing a standard letter consisting of 3-4 sheets of paper, it will likely tip the scale over the 1-ounce mark and require extra postage in the form of an additional ounce stamp.
As of 2023, it costs 60 cents to mail a 1-ounce letter (the current rate for a forever stamp). But for each additional ounce, the price goes up by 24 cents. That‘s where the additional ounce stamps, currently valued at 24 cents each, come into play.
How to Use Additional Ounce Stamps
Using additional ounce stamps is fairly straightforward, but it‘s important to follow the proper protocol to avoid your mail being returned for insufficient postage. Here‘s how it works:
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Weigh your letter or card to determine if it‘s over 1 ounce. You can use a postage scale at home or have it weighed at the post office.
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If the weight is greater than 1 ounce but not more than 2 ounces, affix one forever stamp and one additional ounce stamp.
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For each additional ounce or fraction thereof, add another additional ounce stamp. For example, a 3.1 ounce letter would need one forever stamp and three additional ounce stamps.
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Place the stamps in the upper right corner of the envelope, making sure they are un-cancelled and undamaged.
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Drop off your properly stamped mail in a blue collection box or at the post office.
It‘s important to note that additional ounce stamps CANNOT be used as standalone postage. They must always be used in conjunction with a forever stamp (or another first-class stamp) to meet the minimum 1-ounce rate.
Benefits of Using Additional Ounce Stamps
You might be wondering, why not just use two forever stamps to mail a 2-ounce letter? While that would provide sufficient postage, it‘s not the most economical choice.
Remember, a forever stamp is currently valued at 60 cents, while an additional ounce stamp is 24 cents. So for a 2-ounce letter:
- Using two forever stamps would cost $1.20
- Using one forever stamp + one additional ounce stamp would cost 84 cents
That‘s a savings of 36 cents by using an additional ounce stamp! While it may not seem like much, the savings can really add up over time, especially if you frequently mail heavier letters or cards.
But the benefits go beyond just cost savings. Using the proper postage also ensures your mail will be processed and delivered in a timely manner. If you accidentally underpay the postage, your mail may be returned to you, causing frustrating delays.
Where to Buy Additional Ounce Stamps
You can purchase additional ounce stamps at any U.S. Post Office location. They are sold individually at the current price of 24 cents per stamp. You can also buy them in sheets of 20 or coils of 100 for the sake of convenience.
If you prefer to shop online, you can order additional ounce stamps through the USPS website (store.usps.com). There is a small shipping fee for online orders under $25, or you can get free shipping by adding at least $25 worth of products to your cart.
Many major supermarkets, pharmacies, and office supply stores also sell booklets of forever stamps, which may include one or two additional ounce stamps as well. However, the availability of additional ounce stamps can vary at these third-party retailers.
Designs of Additional Ounce Stamps
Like forever stamps, additional ounce stamps come in a variety of designs that change periodically. The designs often feature intricate illustrations of nature, animals, cultural icons, or abstract artwork.
Some recent designs have included:
- Seamless top hats in the style of Uncle Sam, in an array of skin tone shades representing diversity
- A brush rabbit, a species of cottontail rabbit native to the U.S. west coast
- A colorful floral pattern with red, orange, and purple blooms
- Patriotic ribbons in red, white, and blue
No matter the design, all additional ounce stamps include the inscriptions "USA," "Additional Ounce," and the year issued. This distinguishes them from other types of stamps.
Aesthetically speaking, additional ounce stamps can add a nice decorative touch to your outgoing mail. Feel free to choose designs that reflect your personal style or the occasion for which you‘re mailing the letter or card.
Ounce Stamps vs. Forever Stamps
If you‘re new to using additional ounce stamps, you might wonder how they differ from forever stamps besides the obvious price difference. The key distinction is that forever stamps are exclusively for the first ounce of postage, while additional ounce stamps are an add-on to cover extra weight.
However, additional ounce stamps are similar to forever stamps in that their postal value never expires. Once you purchase them, you can continue using them indefinitely, even if the postage rates go up in the future. In other words, there‘s no disadvantage to stocking up on extra additional ounce stamps.
Common Uses for Additional Ounce Stamps
Now that you understand the ins and outs of additional ounce stamps, let‘s explore some of the most common scenarios where they come in handy:
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Mailing greeting cards: Store-bought greeting cards, especially those with extra embellishments or made from thicker cardstock, often weigh over an ounce. Pop one forever stamp and one additional ounce stamp on the envelope, and you‘re good to go.
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Sending RSVP cards: If you‘re mailing out wedding invitations or other event invitations that include an RSVP card and envelope, don‘t forget that the return postage for the RSVP will likely require an additional ounce stamp in addition to the forever stamp.
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Small parcels: Additional ounce stamps can be used for packages weighing up to 3.5 ounces. Anything heavier than that will require different postage rates.
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International mail: Additional ounce stamps can also be used for letters mailed to some international destinations, such as Canada and Mexico. Check with USPS for the specific rates and rules for mailing to each country.
Of course, these are just a few examples, but additional ounce stamps can be used any time you‘re mailing first class items weighing 1-3.5 ounces total.
Tips for Ensuring Correct Postage
To wrap up, here are a few helpful tips to make sure you always have the right postage on your mail:
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Invest in a postage scale. You can find them for around $20-30 online or at office supply stores. Having one at home takes the guesswork out of weighing your mail.
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If you‘re unsure, take your mail to the post office to have it weighed. It‘s better to be safe than sorry and risk your mail being returned.
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Stock up on a variety of stamps in different denominations, including forever stamps, additional ounce stamps, and postcard stamps. That way you‘ll be prepared for any mailing need that arises.
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Double check the current postage rates on the USPS website periodically to make sure you‘re using the correct number of stamps. Rates usually go up in January of each year.
By being informed and prepared with the right stamps and postage, you can rest assured your letters and cards will swiftly reach their intended recipients. And now that you‘re an expert on all things additional ounce stamps, you can spread the word to your friends and family, too!
Happy mailing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use an additional ounce stamp by itself to mail a postcard?
A: No, an additional ounce stamp alone is not enough postage for mailing a postcard. Postcards require a specific postcard stamp (currently valued at 44 cents) or a forever stamp.
Q: Are additional ounce stamps available at all times of the year?
A: Yes, additional ounce stamps are considered a mail-use stamp, so they are available for purchase year-round at USPS locations, unlike some seasonal or commemorative stamps that are only sold for a limited time.
Q: Do I need an additional ounce stamp if my letter weighs exactly 1 ounce?
A: No, a forever stamp covers postage for mail weighing up to (but not including) 1 ounce. You would only need to add an additional ounce stamp if the mail weighs more than 1 ounce.
Q: What happens if I don‘t use enough postage on my mail?
A: If there is insufficient postage, the mail will either be returned to you (if a return address is included) or the recipient may be charged postage due to receive the mail piece. To avoid this, always carefully weigh your mail and affix the proper stamps.
Q: Can I use additional ounce stamps on mail being sent to a PO box?
A: Yes, you can use additional ounce stamps for mail being delivered to a PO box, as long as you‘ve met the required postage for the weight and class of the mail piece.
