Note: This tool provides estimates based on 2024 retail pricing tiers. Actual postage costs may vary based on exact dimensions and specific destination zip codes.
— Select Country —
Canada
Mexico
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Japan
Australia
China
Brazil
South Africa
Other (Rest of World)
Package / Box
Large Envelope (Flat)
Letter
Estimated Shipping Options
Service Level
Estimated Delivery
Estimated Price
function calculateUSPSRates() {
var lbsInput = document.getElementById("weightLbs");
var ozInput = document.getElementById("weightOz");
var countrySelect = document.getElementById("destCountry");
var typeSelect = document.getElementById("packageType");
var errorDiv = document.getElementById("errorMessage");
var resultsArea = document.getElementById("resultsArea");
var tableBody = document.getElementById("rateTableBody");
// Reset
errorDiv.style.display = "none";
errorDiv.innerHTML = "";
resultsArea.style.display = "none";
tableBody.innerHTML = "";
// Parse Inputs
var lbs = parseFloat(lbsInput.value) || 0;
var oz = parseFloat(ozInput.value) || 0;
var zoneCode = parseInt(countrySelect.value);
var type = typeSelect.value;
// Validation
if (zoneCode === 0) {
errorDiv.style.display = "block";
errorDiv.innerHTML = "Please select a destination country.";
return;
}
if (lbs === 0 && oz === 0) {
errorDiv.style.display = "block";
errorDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter the weight of your item.";
return;
}
// Calculate Total Weight in Lbs
var totalWeightLbs = lbs + (oz / 16);
// Define Base Rates (Simulated 2024 Retail Pricing Logic)
// Zone Mapping: 1=Canada, 2=Mexico, 3=Europe, 4=Asia/Aus, 5=Africa/S.America, 6=Other
// — First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) —
// Limits: Max 4 lbs. Only for Packages.
// Base Price logic: Zone based start + weight increment
var fcpisPrice = 0;
var fcpisEligible = true;
if (totalWeightLbs > 4) {
fcpisEligible = false;
} else if (type === 'letter') {
fcpisEligible = false; // Letters use First-Class Mail International
}
if (fcpisEligible) {
// Simplified Rate Table for FCPIS
var baseFCPIS = [0, 15.75, 21.75, 17.50, 19.50, 20.00, 18.50]; // Index corresponds to Zone 1-6
var perLbFCPIS = [0, 3.00, 5.00, 6.00, 7.00, 9.00, 8.00];
fcpisPrice = baseFCPIS[zoneCode] + (totalWeightLbs * perLbFCPIS[zoneCode]);
}
// — First-Class Mail International (Letters/Flats) —
var fcmiPrice = 0;
var fcmiEligible = false;
if (type === 'letter' || type === 'envelope') {
// Only up to 3.5oz for letters, 15.994oz for flats usually, simplifying logic
if (totalWeightLbs < 1) { // roughly under 1lb
fcmiEligible = true;
// Base Global Stamp approx $1.55 for letters, flats higher
var baseLetter = 1.55;
var baseFlat = 3.00;
var weightFactor = totalWeightLbs * 10; // rough scaler
fcmiPrice = (type === 'letter') ? baseLetter + (oz * 0.10) : baseFlat + (totalWeightLbs * 5);
}
}
// — Priority Mail International (PMI) —
// 6-10 Business Days
var pmiPrice = 0;
// Base PMI rates usually start around $40-$60 depending on zone
var basePMI = [0, 31.00, 42.00, 56.00, 62.00, 65.00, 60.00];
var perLbPMI = [0, 3.50, 4.50, 6.50, 8.50, 10.00, 9.00];
pmiPrice = basePMI[zoneCode] + (totalWeightLbs * perLbPMI[zoneCode]);
// — Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) —
// 3-5 Business Days
var pmeiPrice = 0;
var basePMEI = [0, 50.00, 68.00, 75.00, 80.00, 85.00, 78.00];
var perLbPMEI = [0, 5.00, 6.00, 8.00, 11.00, 13.00, 12.00];
pmeiPrice = basePMEI[zoneCode] + (totalWeightLbs * perLbPMEI[zoneCode]);
// — Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) —
// 1-3 Business Days
var gxgPrice = 0;
var baseGXG = [0, 75.00, 95.00, 110.00, 120.00, 130.00, 115.00];
var perLbGXG = [0, 8.00, 10.00, 15.00, 18.00, 20.00, 18.00];
gxgPrice = baseGXG[zoneCode] + (totalWeightLbs * perLbGXG[zoneCode]);
// Helper to format currency
function fmt(num) {
return "$" + num.toFixed(2);
}
// Build Results HTML
var rows = "";
// 1. GXG
rows += "
";
rows += "
Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG)Fastest service with date-certain delivery.
";
rows += "
1-3 Business Days
";
rows += "
" + fmt(gxgPrice) + "
";
rows += "
";
// 2. PMEI
rows += "
";
rows += "
Priority Mail Express International®Fast, reliable, and insured.
";
rows += "
3-5 Business Days
";
rows += "
" + fmt(pmeiPrice) + "
";
rows += "
";
// 3. PMI
rows += "
";
rows += "
Priority Mail International®Affordable for packages.
";
rows += "
6-10 Business Days
";
rows += "
" + fmt(pmiPrice) + "
";
rows += "
";
// 4. FCPIS (Packages < 4lbs)
if (fcpisEligible && type === 'package') {
rows += "
";
rows += "
First-Class Package International Service®Most affordable for light packages.
";
rows += "
Varies by Destination
";
rows += "
" + fmt(fcpisPrice) + "
";
rows += "
";
}
// 5. FCMI (Letters/Flats)
if (fcmiEligible) {
var serviceName = (type === 'letter') ? "First-Class Mail International® (Letter)" : "First-Class Mail International® (Large Envelope)";
rows += "
Calculating international postage can often feel complicated due to the variety of zones, weight classes, and service levels offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Whether you are an e-commerce seller shipping products globally or an individual sending a gift to a relative overseas, understanding how rates are calculated is essential for budgeting and delivery planning.
The USPS International Rate Estimator above provides a quick snapshot of expected costs based on current retail pricing tiers. Real-world costs are influenced by three primary factors: Weight, Destination Zone, and Service Speed.
Key Factors Influencing Your Shipping Cost
Destination Country (Price Groups): USPS organizes countries into "Price Groups." For example, shipping to Canada (Group 1) is generally the cheapest international option, while shipping to Australia or Japan usually falls into higher price tiers due to distance and logistics.
Weight and Dimensions: International rates are highly sensitive to weight. For packages under 4 lbs (approx 1.8 kg), First-Class Package International Service is typically the most economical choice. Once a package exceeds 4 lbs, you are automatically bumped to Priority Mail International, which has a higher starting base rate.
Package Type: Sending a simple letter or a large flat envelope is significantly cheaper than sending a box (package), as packages require customs forms and different handling procedures.
Overview of USPS International Services
1. Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG)
This is the fastest international service provided by USPS in partnership with FedEx. It offers date-certain delivery in 1–3 business days to over 190 countries. It is the most expensive option but includes tracking and insurance.
2. Priority Mail Express International®
A reliable high-speed option offering delivery in 3–5 business days to major markets. It includes money-back guarantees to select countries and includes insurance for merchandise.
3. Priority Mail International®
The standard choice for packages over 4 lbs or when you need a balance between speed and cost. Delivery typically takes 6–10 business days. It includes tracking and some insurance coverage.
4. First-Class Package International Service®
The most popular option for small, lightweight items (under 4 lbs). While it is the most affordable way to ship merchandise, delivery times vary significantly by destination and tracking is not available for all countries.
Customs Forms and Duties
When using the calculator to plan your shipment, remember that virtually all international mail (except for simple letters containing only documents) requires a customs form. For First-Class Package International Service and Priority Mail International, the customs form is often integrated into the shipping label.
Important: The shipping rates calculated here cover the postage only. They do not include customs duties, taxes, or import fees that the destination country may assess upon arrival. These fees are typically the responsibility of the recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship internationally with USPS?
For packages under 4 lbs, First-Class Package International Service is the cheapest option. For documents, a standard Global Forever Stamp is the most economical choice.
Does USPS tracking work internationally?
Yes, but with limitations. GXG and Priority Mail Express International offer full tracking. Priority Mail International offers tracking to major destinations. First-Class Package International Service only offers Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation International (E-USPS DELCON INTL®) to select countries (e.g., Canada, Australia, UK, France).
How accurate are these rate estimates?
These estimates are based on standard retail pricing zones. If you purchase postage online (e.g., via Click-N-Ship or third-party commercial platforms), you may qualify for commercial base pricing, which is typically lower than the retail rates shown here.