Isabella Carter
When it comes to sending mail, there are specific size requirements that must be met for a piece of mail to be considered a first-class letter. These requirements are in place to ensure that the mail can be processed by automated systems. If a letter does not meet these requirements, it may be considered non-machineable and will be subject to a surcharge. The size requirements for a first-class letter include minimum and maximum dimensions for height, length, and thickness. Additionally, the aspect ratio, which is the length divided by the height, must fall within a certain range. Letters that are too thick, square, or have unusual features such as clasps or fasteners may also be considered non-machineable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum height | 3 1/2 inches |
| Minimum length | 5 inches |
| Minimum thickness | 0.007 inches |
| Maximum height | 6 1/8 inches |
| Maximum length | 11 1/2 inches |
| Maximum thickness | 1/4 inches |
| Aspect ratio | Between 1.3 and 2.5 |
| Maximum weight | 3.5 oz |
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What You'll Learn
- The difference between regular letters and large envelopes is their dimensions
- Letters that are too thick, square, or have clasps or fasteners on the outside of the envelope are considered odd-sized
- The minimum size for a first-class letter is 3 1/2 inches tall by 5 inches long and 0.007 inches thick
- The maximum size for a first-class letter is 6 1/8 inches tall by 11 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inches thick
- If your mail does not meet these size requirements, it is likely undeliverable as First-Class Mail and may qualify as a package
The difference between regular letters and large envelopes is their dimensions
Large envelopes, or flats, are larger than standard letters and are treated differently. They are processed on a different type of machine to regular letters. If a mailpiece is too thick, square, or has clasps or fasteners on the outside of the envelope, it is considered non-machineable and will require a trained clerk to hand-sort by address.
The minimum dimensions for a large envelope are 6-1/8 inches high by 11-1/2 inches long by 0.007 inches thick, and the maximum dimensions are 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inch thick. The maximum weight for a large envelope is 13 oz, compared to 3.5 oz for a letter.
It's important to note that even some standard envelopes don't work well with the USPS's automated systems due to their sizing and textures. These mailpieces are also considered non-machineable and may be subject to a surcharge.
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Letters that are too thick, square, or have clasps or fasteners on the outside of the envelope are considered odd-sized
The size requirements for letters are as follows: a minimum of 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by 0.007 inches thick, and a maximum of 6-1/8 inches high by 11-1/2 inches long by 1/4 inch thick. Letters that are outside of these dimensions are considered odd-sized and will be subject to a non-machinable surcharge.
The aspect ratio of a letter is also important. The ratio must be between 1.3 and 2.5, with the length divided by the height. If the ratio is not within this range, the letter will be subject to a non-machinable surcharge.
Letters that are too thick or have clasps or fasteners on the outside of the envelope may not work well with the USPS's automated systems. These mailpieces are called "non-machineable" mail and require a trained clerk to hand-sort by address. The labor expense of hand-sorting mail is much more expensive than running it through the machine.
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The minimum size for a first-class letter is 3 1/2 inches tall by 5 inches long and 0.007 inches thick
The maximum dimensions for a first-class letter are 6 1/8 inches tall by 11 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inches thick. Letters that exceed these dimensions are considered flats and are treated differently by the postal service.
The aspect ratio of a first-class letter must also fall within certain parameters. This is calculated by dividing the length by the height, and the ratio must be between 1.3 and 2.5. If the ratio falls outside of this range, your letter will be subject to a non-machinable surcharge.
It's important to note that these size and aspect ratio requirements only apply to letters that are being sent via First-Class Mail. If your letter does not meet these requirements, it may need to be sent as a package or a flat, which have different size and weight restrictions.
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The maximum size for a first-class letter is 6 1/8 inches tall by 11 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inches thick
The USPS uses automated systems to process mail. Letters that are too thick, square, have clasps or fasteners on the outside of the envelope, or have the short side as the address side are considered "non-machineable". These will require a trained clerk to hand-sort by address. This labour expense is much more expensive than running mail through the automated system.
To avoid paying a non-machinable surcharge, your letter must be no more than 6 1/8 inches tall, 11 1/2 inches long, and 1/4 inch thick. The minimum size for a first-class letter is 3 1/2 inches tall by 5 inches long and 0.007 inches thick.
If your mail does not fall within these size requirements, it is likely undeliverable as First-Class Mail and may qualify as a package.
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If your mail does not meet these size requirements, it is likely undeliverable as First-Class Mail and may qualify as a package
If your mail does not meet the size requirements for First-Class Mail, it is likely undeliverable and may need to be sent as a package.
First-Class Mail has specific size requirements that must be met for mail to be deliverable. These requirements are in place because mail that is too thick, square, or has clasps or fasteners on the outside of the envelope cannot be processed by the USPS's automated systems. This mail is called 'non-machineable' and requires a trained clerk to hand-sort by address, which is a more expensive and time-consuming process.
The size requirements for First-Class Mail are as follows: a minimum size of 3 1/2 inches tall by 5 inches long and 0.007 inches thick, and a maximum size of 6 1/8 inches tall by 11 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. The aspect ratio, which is the length divided by the height, must be between 1.3 and 2.5. If the aspect ratio is not within this range, the letter will be subject to a non-machinable surcharge.
It is important to note that even some standard envelopes do not work well with the USPS's automated systems due to their sizing and textures. For example, letters that are square or where the short side is the address side are considered odd-sized and may be non-machineable.
If your mail does not meet these size requirements, it is likely that it cannot be delivered as First-Class Mail and may need to be sent as a package.
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Frequently asked questions
The minimum size is 3 1/2 inches tall x 5 inches long and 0.007 inches thick. The maximum size is 6 1/8 inches tall x 11 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inches thick. The weight must be no more than 3.5 oz.
The aspect ratio is the length divided by the height. The ratio must be between 1.3 and 2.5 or the letter will be subject to a non-machinable surcharge.
First-class mail letters that have one or more non-machinable characteristics will pay a non-machinable surcharge. This includes letters that are too thick, square, have clasps or fasteners on the outside of the envelope, and other odd-sized envelopes.
Flats are larger than standard letters and are treated differently. They are processed on a different type of machine.
