Your Own Packaging (By Weight & Zone)
Flat Rate Envelope (12.5″ x 9.5″)
Legal Flat Rate Envelope (15″ x 9.5″)
Padded Flat Rate Envelope
Small Flat Rate Box
Medium Flat Rate Box
Large Flat Rate Box
Flat Rate options ship for one price up to 70 lbs.
Pounds (lbs)
Ounces (oz)
Zone 1 (Local, within 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)
Zones are based on the distance between origin and destination zip codes.
Estimated Retail Postage:
$0.00
Understanding USPS Priority Mail Rates
Shipping packages via the United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the most cost-effective ways to send items across the country. This USPS Priority Mail Rates Calculator helps you estimate the retail shipping costs for 2024 based on package type, weight, and distance (zone).
How Priority Mail Pricing Works
USPS Priority Mail pricing generally falls into two categories: Flat Rate and Weight/Zone Based.
1. Flat Rate Pricing
Flat Rate is popular because "if it fits, it ships." As long as your item weighs under 70 lbs and fits inside the specific USPS-branded packaging, the price is fixed regardless of the destination.
Flat Rate Envelope: Best for documents and thin items.
Small Flat Rate Box: Ideal for small electronics or jewelry.
Medium Flat Rate Box: The most versatile option for shoes, games, or office supplies.
Large Flat Rate Box: Best for heavier, bulkier items like laptops or tools.
2. Weight and Zone Based (Your Own Packaging)
If you use your own box, the price is determined by how much the package weighs and how far it is traveling (the Zone). USPS divides the US into 9 zones based on the distance from the origin zip code.
Zone
Distance Radius
Pricing Impact
Zone 1 & 2
0 – 150 miles
Lowest Rates
Zone 4
301 – 600 miles
Moderate Rates
Zone 8
1800+ miles
Highest Rates
Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight)
For large, lightweight packages, USPS may apply "Dimensional Weight" pricing. If a package exceeds one cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) in volume, you may be charged based on its size rather than its actual weight. This calculator uses standard weight-based estimates, so keep volume in mind for very large, light boxes.
Tips for Saving on Shipping
Use Commercial Pricing: Services like Pirate Ship, Stamps.com, or eBay shipping labels often offer "Commercial Base Pricing," which is significantly cheaper than the retail rates shown at the Post Office counter.
Compare Flat Rate vs. Zone: For heavy items traveling far (Zone 8), Flat Rate is usually cheaper. For light items traveling nearby (Zone 1-2), using your own box is often cheaper than a Flat Rate box.
Accurate Weighing: Always round up to the next pound. If your package weighs 1 lb 1 oz, USPS charges the 2 lb rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Priority Mail?
Priority Mail typically takes 1-3 business days depending on the distance. It includes tracking and up to $100 of insurance for most shipments.
What is the maximum weight?
The maximum weight for Priority Mail is 70 lbs.
function toggleInputs() {
var type = document.getElementById('packageType').value;
var weightSection = document.getElementById('weightSection');
var zoneSection = document.getElementById('zoneSection');
if (type === 'own') {
weightSection.classList.remove('hidden');
zoneSection.classList.remove('hidden');
} else {
weightSection.classList.add('hidden');
zoneSection.classList.add('hidden');
}
}
function calculateShipping() {
var type = document.getElementById('packageType').value;
var zone = parseInt(document.getElementById('zone').value);
var lbs = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weightLbs').value) || 0;
var oz = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weightOz').value) || 0;
var price = 0;
var details = "";
// 2024 Retail Rate Estimates (Simplified approximations)
// Flat Rates (Retail)
var rates = {
'fre': 9.85, // Flat Rate Envelope
'lfre': 10.15, // Legal Flat Rate Envelope
'pfre': 10.60, // Padded Flat Rate Envelope
'sfrb': 10.40, // Small Flat Rate Box
'mfrb': 18.40, // Medium Flat Rate Box
'lfrb': 24.75 // Large Flat Rate Box
};
if (type !== 'own') {
price = rates[type];
details = "Flat Rate Pricing (Up to 70 lbs)";
} else {
// Calculate Variable Rate
// Logic: 1. Convert to total Lbs (Round UP to next lb)
var totalWeight = lbs + (oz / 16);
var chargedWeight = Math.ceil(totalWeight);
if (chargedWeight === 0) {
chargedWeight = 1; // Minimum 1 lb rate for calculation logic (USPS has specific 70) {
document.getElementById('totalPrice').innerHTML = "Error";
document.getElementById('resultDetails').innerHTML = "Maximum weight for Priority Mail is 70 lbs.";
document.getElementById('result-container').style.display = 'block';
return;
}
// Simplified Matrix for Zone Based Pricing (Approximation of Retail Rates)
// Base price for 1lb + increment per additional lb based on zone intensity
var baseRate = 0;
var perLbRate = 0;
// These are heuristics to generate realistic looking 2024 retail curves
switch(zone) {
case 1:
case 2:
baseRate = 9.25;
perLbRate = 1.10;
break;
case 3:
baseRate = 9.65;
perLbRate = 1.25;
break;
case 4:
baseRate = 10.20;
perLbRate = 1.65;
break;
case 5:
baseRate = 10.85;
perLbRate = 2.40;
break;
case 6:
baseRate = 11.25;
perLbRate = 3.65;
break;
case 7:
baseRate = 12.10;
perLbRate = 4.50;
break;
case 8:
baseRate = 13.05;
perLbRate = 5.75;
break;
case 9:
baseRate = 13.05; // Similar to Zone 8 usually
perLbRate = 5.75;
break;
default:
baseRate = 9.25;
perLbRate = 1.10;
}
// Calculate estimate
// Formula: Base for 1st lb + (Additional Lbs * PerLbRate)
if (chargedWeight === 1) {
price = baseRate;
} else {
price = baseRate + ((chargedWeight – 1) * perLbRate);
}
// Cubic pricing overrides for heavy small items aren't calculated here,
// but we add a cap to prevent unrealistic linear growth for 70lbs in low zones
// (Though USPS linear rates do get high).
details = "Based on Charged Weight: " + chargedWeight + " lb(s) to Zone " + zone;
}
// Display Result
var formattedPrice = "$" + price.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('totalPrice').innerHTML = formattedPrice;
document.getElementById('resultDetails').innerHTML = details;
document.getElementById('result-container').style.display = 'block';
}
// Initialize view
toggleInputs();