USPS Domestic Rate Estimator
Estimate shipping costs for packages within the United States
USPS Ground Advantage™ (2-5 days)
Priority Mail® (1-3 days)
Priority Mail Express® (Next-Day to 2-Day)
Media Mail (Books/Media only, 2-8 days)
Zone 1 (Local / < 50 miles)
Zone 2 (51 – 150 miles)
Zone 3 (151 – 300 miles)
Zone 4 (301 – 600 miles)
Zone 5 (601 – 1000 miles)
Zone 6 (1001 – 1400 miles)
Zone 7 (1401 – 1800 miles)
Zone 8 (1801+ miles)
Zone 9 (Freely Associated States)
Estimated Retail Postage:
$0.00
Understanding USPS Domestic Shipping Rates
Calculating postage for domestic shipments involves more than just weighing a package. The United States Postal Service (USPS) utilizes a combination of weight, dimensional size, distance (zones), and service speed to determine the final cost. This calculator helps small businesses and individuals estimate these costs effectively.
Key Factors Influencing Your Rate
- Weight vs. Dimensional Weight: For most services, postage is based on the actual weight. However, for large, lightweight packages, USPS applies "Dimensional Weight" (DIM weight). If the calculated DIM weight is higher than the actual weight, you pay for the DIM weight.
- Zones: The US is divided into zones based on the distance from the sender's zip code. Zone 1 is local, while Zone 8 represents the furthest points within the contiguous US. The higher the zone, the higher the shipping cost.
- Service Class:
- Ground Advantage: The most economical option for packages under 70 lbs, usually delivering in 2-5 days.
- Priority Mail: Faster delivery (1-3 days) including flat-rate options.
- Priority Mail Express: Guaranteed overnight or 2-day delivery.
How to Calculate Dimensional Weight
For Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, if a package is larger than one cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches), you must compare the actual weight to the dimensional weight. The formula used by USPS is:
(Length x Width x Height) / 166 = Dimensional Weight (in lbs)
Always round up to the nearest pound. If your package is 12″x12″x12″, the volume is 1,728. Divided by 166, the DIM weight is roughly 10.4, which rounds up to 11 lbs. If the actual box weighs 5 lbs, you will be charged the 11 lb rate.
Oversize Surcharges
Be aware of non-standard length fees. Packages exceeding 22 inches in length may incur an additional surcharge (typically $4.00), and those exceeding 30 inches incur a higher fee (typically $15.00+). Packages with a combined length and girth over 130 inches are generally not accepted for standard mail classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Media Mail have zone pricing?
No. Media Mail is one of the few services that is not zone-based. The rate is determined solely by weight, making it a very cost-effective option for shipping books, educational materials, and sound recordings cross-country.
What is the weight limit for USPS packages?
The maximum weight for most USPS domestic parcels is 70 lbs. If your item exceeds this, you may need to use a freight service.
+$4.00 Non-standard Length (>22\")
";
}
// Length > 30″
if (length > 30) {
surcharge += 15.00; // Increased fee for >30"
surchargeMsg += "+$15.00 Non-standard Length (>30\")
";
}
// Cubic limit check
if (cubicSize > 0 && (length + (2*width) + (2*height)) > 130) {
// Oversize limit
alert("Warning: Length + Girth exceeds 130 inches. This package may not be mailable via standard services.");
}
var totalCost = baseRate + surcharge;
// 7. Display Results
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("resultDisplay");
var priceDiv = document.getElementById("finalPrice");
var breakdownDiv = document.getElementById("breakdownDisplay");
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
priceDiv.innerHTML = "$" + totalCost.toFixed(2);
var breakdownHtml = "Rate Details:";
breakdownHtml += "Billable Weight: " + ratedWeight + " lbs " + (isDimWeightApplied ? "(Dimensional Weight Applied)" : "(Actual Weight)") + "";
breakdownHtml += "Zone: " + zone + "";
breakdownHtml += surchargeMsg;
if (service === 'media') {
breakdownHtml += "Media Mail does not use zones.";
}
breakdownDiv.innerHTML = breakdownHtml;
}