Priority Mail Shipping Rate Calculator
Standard (Weight & Zone Based)
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope ($10.40)
Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box ($18.40)
Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box ($24.75)
Zone 1 & 2 (Local / Close)
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8 (Far Distance)
Zone 9 (Freely Associated States)
Zones are based on the distance between origin and destination ZIP codes.
Estimated Shipping Cost
$0.00
How Priority Mail Rates are Calculated
Priority Mail is one of the most popular shipping services provided by the USPS, offering a balance between speed and cost. Typically delivering in 1 to 3 business days, the rates are determined by three primary factors:
- Package Weight: For standard Priority Mail, prices increase at every pound increment. Packages are rounded up to the next pound (e.g., a 1.2 lb package is charged at the 2 lb rate).
- Zone: The United States is divided into "Zones" based on the distance from the point of origin. The further your package travels, the higher the zone number and the cost.
- Flat Rate Options: If your item is heavy but small, Flat Rate envelopes and boxes allow you to ship for one set price regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) or destination zone.
Example Shipping Scenarios
| Item Weight | Destination | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs | Zone 2 (Local) | ~$10.20 |
| 5 lbs | Zone 8 (Cross-Country) | ~$24.50 |
| 15 lbs | Anywhere (Med. Flat Rate) | $18.40 |
Priority Mail vs. Priority Mail Express
While Priority Mail takes 1-3 days, Priority Mail Express offers overnight to 2-day delivery with a money-back guarantee. However, Express rates are significantly higher, often starting at $30 or more for even the smallest packages. For most e-commerce and personal shipping, standard Priority Mail remains the most cost-effective choice.