Royal Mail postage costs: a confusion-busting guide
Since April 2013, any parcel or package sent in the UK has to be measured and weighed before postage costs are calculated. Previously, items were classified on the basis of weight alone, but Royal Mail introduced a new set of prices that they believed were more in line with the actual cost of handling and delivering items, taking into account the fact that some larger, lighter items need to be delivered by van.
The changes led to some initial confusion amongst consumers used to the old posting measures, whilst subsequent changes merely muddied the waters further. In October 2013, Royal Mail introduced a second small parcel size to allow people to post either wide, shallow parcels (max 45cm x 35cm x 8cm) or narrow, deep parcels (max 35cm x 25cm x 16cm) as a small parcel.
Thankfully, these two 'small' sizes were replaced by a single small parcel, which combines the larger dimensions of the previous versions (max 45cm x 35cm x 16cm). This forms part of a more straightforward pricing structure, which we summarise for you below.
The following guidelines should help you calculate your postage and avoid unexpected delivery costs. Please note that prices are subject to change (see 'Royal Mail postage costs' table for the latest prices) but, until further notice, the classification of parcels remains as follows.
Royal Mail size and weight allowances for UK post
All parcels to be posted are classified as either small, medium or large - based on both their weight and dimensions - and the cost of postage calculated accordingly.
Format |
Max. length |
Max. width |
Max. thickness |
Max. weight |
Examples |
Letter |
24cm |
16.5cm |
0.5cm |
100g |
Standard letter, greeting card, postcard |
Large letter |
35.3cm |
25cm |
2.5cm |
750g |
Small books, magazines, CDs & DVDs (in cases) |
Small parcel |
45cm |
35cm |
16cm |
2kg |
Books, clothing, DVD box sets, toys and gifts |
Medium parcel |
61cm |
46cm |
46cm |
20kg |
Larger items of clothing, footwear, household appliances |
Large parcels: Any parcel exceeding just one of the maximum allowed limits for a medium parcel will be considered a large parcel. Large parcels must not exceed 30kg in weight, 1.5m in length or 3m in length and girth combined. Large parcels can only be posted on Parcelforce Worldwide services.
Cylindrical parcels: Any cylindrical or rolled parcel must not exceed 90cm in any dimension, whilst the length of the parcel plus twice the diameter must not exceed 104cm. For example, a parcel that is 80cm long with a diameter of 12cm is allowed [80cm + (2 x 12cm) = 104cm] whilst a parcel that is 85cm long with a diameter of 10cm is not allowed [85cm + (2 x 10cm) = 105cm].
For further details, visit royalmail.com/prices.
Royal Mail postage costs
Royal Mail UK Standard delivery costs for parcels sent within the UK from 31 March 2016:
1st Class |
2nd Class |
||
Size |
Weight up to and including |
Price |
Price |
Letter |
100g |
64p |
55p |
Large Letter |
100g |
96p |
75p |
250g |
£1.27 |
£1.20 |
|
500g |
£1.71 |
£1.54 |
|
750g |
£2.46 |
£2.09 |
|
Small Parcel |
1kg |
£3.35 |
£2.85 |
2kg |
£5.50 |
£2.85 |
|
Medium Parcel |
1kg |
£5.70 |
£4.95 |
2kg |
£8.95 |
£4.95 |
|
5kg |
£15.85 |
£13.75 |
|
10kg |
£21.90 |
£20.25 |
|
20kg |
£33.40 |
£28.55 |
|
Includes compensation up to |
£20.00 |
£20.00 |
Other services: Other Royal Mail services available include UK Guaranteed, UK Confirmed, a range of International services (Economy Standard, Tracked & Signed) and Parcelforce Worldwide courier services. For further details, including package dimensions and prices, visit royalmail.com/prices.
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Mailing bags come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes and can be made from a wide variety of materials that include paper, plastic, vinyl and canvas, as well as others. They are designed according to the different types of products that need to be posted. Mailing bags have many functions that also go above and beyond just safely transporting your package. These additional functions range from protection of the product from weather or punctures to getting out a sales and promotional message. Plastic, or polythene mailing bags are becoming quite a popular choice in today's business world as well as a popular mailing bag choice for personal mailing needs as well. This is due to the wide variety of choices on the market today in the types of available polythene mailing bags with a wide range of sizes and colours. Their additional features also appeal to many different customers for a wide range of uses, both business and personal.
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Royal Mail's last posting dates for Christmas 2016
If you are sending a card or present to a loved one this Christmas, or if you need to get a delivery to a customer before Santa gets there himself, the Royal Mail's last Christmas posting dates are an important addition to your calendar.
The table below lists the all-important dates for regular UK services and international services (formerly Airmail). For further information visit royalmail.com/greetings.
UK Services
Tue 20 December |
2nd Class (including 'Signed For' mail) |
Wed 21 December |
1st Class (including 'Signed For' mail) |
Thu 22 December |
Special Delivery (guaranteed delivery on Fri 23 December) |
Fri 23 December |
Special Delivery Saturday (guaranteed delivery on Christmas Eve) |
International Standard (formerly Airmail), Tracking and Signature Services
Sat 3 December |
Africa, Middle East |
Wed 7 December |
Cyprus, Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe |
Thu 8 December |
Caribbean, Central & South America |
Sat 10 December |
Greece, Australia, New Zealand |
Wed 14 December |
Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland |
Thu 15 December |
Canada, Finland, Sweden, USA |
Fri 16 December |
Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland |
Sat 17 December |
Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg |
Other services: Other Royal Mail services are available, including International Economy (formerly known as Surface Mail), Contract Surface Air Lift and International Standard HM Forces Mail. For last posting dates on these services and further information on Christmas mail services, visit royalmail.com/greetings.