How Much is a Postage Stamp?

 Updated: October 2022

Using the Royal Mail to send post is probably something that many of the current generation aren’t too comfortable with. With much of our communication now done online, the use of postage stamps on envelopes has started to decline, however, they’re still regularly used to send mail across the world.

But how much is a postage stamp? In truth, this depends on several factors, such as how quickly you want your mail to be delivered and the size of the item you’re sending. In the table below, you’ll find the general costings of a postage stamp according to the Royal Mail:

Before choosing your stamp, it’s important to understand how the Royal Mail would classify each item:

How Much is a First-Class Postage Stamp?

First class mail is the quickest method of postage with Royal Mail and should usually arrive at its destination by the next working day (including Saturdays). To send a letter it would cost 95p. A large letter would start at £1.45 and depend on size and weight, the same can be said for small parcels that start at £4.45, and medium parcels that start at £6.95.

How Much is a Second-Class Postage Stamp?

Second class mail is slightly slower, and cheaper, than first class mail. Second class mail is likely to arrive at its destination within two to three working days (including Saturdays). A letter would cost 68p to send second class, with the cost of sending a large letter starting at £1.05. When it comes to sending parcels, a second-class postage stamp would start at £3.35 for a small parcel and £5.35 for a medium parcel.

How do Postage Stamps Work?

Postage stamps are quite simply the way to pay for carriage of mail via Royal Mail. By purchasing a stamp, you can send correspondence anywhere in the world – although some international mail may require special postage. Simply affix the stamp to the front of the item you’re sending, usually above the address in the top right-hand corner, and post through a Royal Mail post box or take into your local branch.

Where to Buy Postage Stamps?

Postage stamps are available at numerous locations. You can also take any item into the Post Office and ask for it to be sent, they will advise you there and then of the postage you need to pay.

Can I Buy Postage Stamps Online?

Yes, just head to the Postage Stamp section of the Viking website.

What to do with Used Postage Stamps

Although it might seem logical to throw an envelope and its stamp in the bin having opened it, this doesn’t have to be the case. Aside from the fact that paper envelopes can be recycled, the stamps can actually be cut out or removed and given to charity.

These stamps are often sold to stamp collectors, or philatelists, who specialise in collecting used postage stamps. The stamps are collected and sold as kiloware, meaning they’re sold by weight rather than quantity, and collectors will sort through for rare or collectible stamps.

Where to Send Used Postage Stamps for Charity

There are numerous charities around the UK that accept used stamp donations. These include:

• Macmillan Cancer Support
• RNIB
• RSPB
• PDSA
• The Dogs Trust
• Parkinson’s UK
• Born Free Foundation

These are just a selection of the charities in the UK that will take used stamps to raise money and there are plenty more to choose from.

Whether you’re sending a postcard or mailing out goods, using the postal system will always be important. Although we may now be blessed with email and instant messaging, purchasing stamps is still an important part of communication.