You may not realize it, but envelopes come in many shapes and sizes. this variety is helpful in making sure you always have the right envelope for your mail, but it can also make it hard to know how much to pay.
In this article, we look at one specific envelope: the 6×9 size. how does usps classify this envelope size? if you want to find out, keep reading!
how does usps send 6×9 envelopes in 2022?
usps considers 6×9 envelopes as letters because they fall within the acceptable dimensions for letters in 2022. 6×9 envelopes (including manila envelopes and some bubble envelopes) that weigh 1 ounce or less can be mailed using 1 forever stamp. each additional ounce is priced at $0.20. bubble mailers thicker than ¾ inch are considered packages and are priced accordingly.
We have a lot more information to share about 6×9 envelopes, so be sure to keep reading for helpful information and tips on this topic!
Is a 6×9 pack considered a card?
A 6×9 envelope is considered a letter because its dimensions are within the USPS guidelines for letter sizes.
These guidelines state that a letter must be:
- rectangular
- at least 3 ½ inches tall x 5 inches long x 0.007 inches thick
- no more than 6 ⅛ inches high x 11 ½ inches long x ¼ inch thick
Because 6×9 envelopes meet all of these criteria, the postal service considers them letters and lists them as such.
how much do 6×9 envelopes cost?
postage rates for 6×9 envelopes depend on the class of mail the customer selects.
In most cases, a 6×9 envelope weighing up to 1 ounce will be mailed as a first class letter.
Such cards require 1 First Class Seal (also known as a Forever Seal). forever stamps are currently priced at $0.58.
If a 6×9 envelope weighs more than 1 ounce, it can still be sent via First Class Mail, but additional postage will be required.
each additional ounce costs the sender $0.20.
so if a 6×9 envelope weighs between 1.1 and 2.0 ounces, it will cost $0.78 to ship at the current rate.
if the packet weighs between 2.1 and 3 ounces, it will cost $0.98.
If the envelope weighs between 3.1 and 3.5 ounces, shipping will cost $1.18.
Above 3.5 ounces (and/or ¼ inch thick), a 6×9 envelope will no longer be considered a letter, but rather a large envelope.
Large envelopes (also called flat envelopes) have a different pricing structure, as shown below.
how much does it cost to send a 6×9 bubble envelope?
postage for 6×9 bubble envelopes depends on the thickness of the envelope.
If a bubble envelope is ¾ inch thick or less when full, it is considered an envelope. in that case, you can follow the card pricing guidelines for 6×9 packs detailed above.
If a bubble envelope is thicker than ¾ inch, it is considered a package and you will be charged the appropriate price. most bubble banner ads fall into this category.
When sending bubble mailers as packages, customers can choose which service they want to use. USPS First Class and Priority Mail are the most popular services.
first class is a good option if your bubble pack weighs less than 13 ounces.
First class prices start at $4.50 for light packages traveling locally and go up to $7.65 for 13-ounce packages traveling across the country.
Please select priority mail if your item weighs more than 13 ounces and/or if you would like faster delivery.
a flat rate padded envelope starts at $9.65.
How many stamps do I need for a 6×9 manila envelope?
Smaller manila envelopes, such as 6×9, meet the size requirements for standard mail.
can be sent with 1 forever stamp as long as the weight does not exceed 1 ounce.
As with other types of 6×9 envelopes, each additional ounce of postage costs $0.20, up to a maximum weight of 3.5 ounces.
For more information, you can also read our posts on 14 Types of USPS Stamps, How Many Stamps You Need for a Manila Envelope, and USPS Flat Rate Envelope Restrictions.
conclusion
In most cases, USPS considers 6×9 packs to be standard cards and prices them as such. this means you can pay the postage with one stamp forever (and additional one-ounce stamps if necessary).
The exceptions to this rule are 6×9 envelopes that weigh more than 3.5 ounces and 6×9 bubble envelopes that are thicker than ¾ inch.