Ever wondered how much you’ll actually pay to drop a letter in the post? It’s not just a flat fee – rates change, weight matters, and the service you pick can add up fast. Below you’ll get the current UK prices, a quick look at alternatives, and some tips to keep your postage cheap.
Royal Mail is the go‑to for most people, and their price list is simple enough to remember. For a standard Letter 100g or less, the cost is £1.10 for a first‑class stamp and £0.95 for second class. If your letter weighs between 101g and 250g, you move into the “Large Letter” band, which is £1.70 for first class and £1.40 for second.
Got a heavier piece? Anything up to 500g falls under the “Small Parcel” category, priced at £3.20 for first class and £2.80 for second. These rates include only the basic service – add‑ons like recorded delivery or guaranteed next‑day service cost extra.
For most personal or business letters, Royal Mail is the cheapest option. But if you need tracking, proof of delivery, or a faster guarantee, a courier like DPD, UPS, or even a local same‑day service can be worth the extra cash. Couriers typically start around £3.00 for a letter‑sized envelope with tracking, but they may save you time and give you peace of mind.
Another trick is to use bulk postage. If you send 50 or more letters a month, buying a postage account from Royal Mail can shave a few pence off each stamp. Many businesses also use a “letter bag” service – you load a bag with many letters, and the carrier picks it up, reducing handling fees.
Don’t forget about online tools. The Royal Mail website has a handy calculator where you drop in the weight and dimensions, and it spits out the exact cost. Same for most courier sites – a quick lookup saves you from guessing.
So, what’s the bottom line? For a plain, under‑100g letter, expect to pay under £1.10 if you use second‑class service. Anything heavier or requiring extra features will push the price up to £3‑£4. Compare your needs: if speed and tracking matter, a courier may be worth the jump; otherwise, stick with Royal Mail’s simple rates.
Need to keep costs low? Pack your letters tightly, remove any unnecessary inserts, and always weigh them before you stamp. A lighter letter can be a cheaper letter, and that adds up when you send hundreds a year.
Got more questions about letter shipping? Drop us a line – Dex Removals & Logistics Services can help you find the best price and the right service for any size of mail, from a single note to a stack of contracts.
Learn the 2025 rates for sending letters and parcels overseas, compare major carriers, and discover tips to cut international mail costs.
