Royal Mail
What is a large letter? Size, weight and price
A Large Letter is anything bigger than a standard letter but no larger than 35.3cm long, 25cm wide and 2.5cm thick, weighing no more than 750g. It's the most useful size band in UK post, because it's far cheaper than a parcel.
Large Letter prices
| Weight | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100g | £1.55 | £3.30 |
| 101g - 250g | £1.90 | £3.60 |
| 251g - 500g | £2.40 | £3.60 |
| 501g - 750g | £2.70 | £3.60 |
Compare that with a 2nd Class Small Parcel at £4.60 and you can see why it pays to keep items flat.
What fits as a Large Letter?
- A4 documents and certificates (in a C4 envelope)
- Magazines and catalogues
- CDs, DVDs and video games in padded envelopes
- Slim paperbacks (check the thickness!)
- Folded t-shirts, leggings and thin tops in a mailing bag
- Greetings cards with badges or chunky decorations
The 2.5cm rule
Thickness is what pushes most items over the limit. Measure at the thickest point, including the envelope. If you can't slide it through a 2.5cm slot, Royal Mail will treat it as a parcel and the recipient may have to pay the difference plus a fee.
Large Letter vs Small Parcel: quick check
- Under 35.3 × 25 × 2.5cm and 750g? Large Letter.
- Thicker than 2.5cm, or heavier than 750g, but under 45 × 35 × 16cm and 2kg? Small Parcel.
Not sure? Enter the measurements into our postage calculator and it will tell you the size and the cheapest service.