Stamps
How much is a first class stamp?
A 1st Class stamp costs £1.80 and a 2nd Class stamp costs £0.91. Both cover a standard letter weighing up to 100g. These prices have applied since 5 October 2026 (last checked 1 October 2026).
How much is a book of stamps?
Stamps are sold singly and in books. At today's prices:
| Pack | 1st Class | 2nd Class |
|---|---|---|
| Book of 4 | £7.20 | £3.64 |
| Book of 6 | £10.80 | £5.46 |
| Book of 8 | £14.40 | £7.28 |
| Book of 12 | £21.60 | £10.92 |
What does a stamp cover?
A standard 1st or 2nd Class stamp covers a Letter: no bigger than 24 × 16.5cm, no thicker than 5mm and no heavier than 100g. That includes most birthday cards, standard letters and postcards.
If your envelope is bigger, thicker or heavier, it's a Large Letter and needs a Large Letter stamp (1st Class £3.30, 2nd Class £1.55 for up to 100g) or the equivalent value in ordinary stamps.
| Stamp | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Class | Letter up to 100g | £1.80 |
| 2nd Class | Letter up to 100g | £0.91 |
| 1st Class Large | Large Letter up to 100g | £3.30 |
| 2nd Class Large | Large Letter up to 100g | £1.55 |
1st or 2nd Class: which should I use?
Royal Mail aims to deliver 1st Class the next working day and 2nd Class within two to three working days. For birthday cards and anything that isn't urgent, 2nd Class costs about half as much. Read our full 1st vs 2nd Class comparison.
Do old stamps still work?
Stamps that show "1st" or "2nd" rather than a price are "non-value indicated" – they never expire and are always worth the current price. So a 1st Class stamp you bought years ago is now worth £1.80.
Since 2023, everyday stamps without a barcode can no longer be used. If you have old non-barcoded 1st and 2nd Class stamps, Royal Mail's Stamp Swap scheme lets you exchange them for barcoded ones – check the Royal Mail website for the current terms. Special (commemorative) stamps and Christmas stamps without barcodes can still be used.
How many stamps do I need for a parcel?
You can use several stamps to make up the cost of a larger item. Our free stamp counter tells you the fewest 1st and 2nd Class stamps that cover any postage price.
Where can I buy stamps?
Stamps are sold at Post Offices, most supermarkets and newsagents, and online from the Royal Mail shop. Books of 4, 6, 8 and 12 are common – buying a book before a price rise is a simple way to save.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 1st class stamp today?
£1.80 for a standard letter up to 100g.
How much is a 2nd class stamp today?
£0.91 for a standard letter up to 100g.
When will stamp prices go up next?
Royal Mail usually announces price changes a few weeks in advance and most often changes prices in April. We update our prices as soon as changes take effect.