How Much Is a 1st and 2nd Class Stamp – Latest 2026 Prices
How Much Are 1st and 2nd Class Stamps in 2026?
A first class stamp in the UK now costs £1.80, while a second class stamp costs 91p. These are the prices as of April 2026, following Royal Mail’s latest price increase. For large letters, the costs are higher, with a first class large letter priced at £3.30 and a second class large letter at £1.55.
Royal Mail has adjusted its prices to reflect rising operational costs. The increases apply to standard letters and large letters up to 100g, with some discounts available for online purchases. Understanding these prices helps you choose the right postage for your needs. For a complete reference of all stamp types and historical data, see our Royal Mail Stamp Prices: Comprehensive Overview.
Whether you are sending a birthday card or a business document, knowing the exact cost of a 1st and 2nd class stamp prevents overpayment and ensures your mail reaches its destination on time.
| 1st Class Letter £1.80 Up to 100g |
2nd Class Letter 91p Up to 100g |
| 1st Class Large Letter £3.30 Up to 100g |
2nd Class Large Letter £1.55 Up to 100g |
Key Insights on Stamp Prices
- The first class stamp cost £1.80 as of April 2026 – a 10p increase from the previous price of £1.70.
- The second class stamp cost 91p – a 4p increase from 87p.
- Large letter prices are nearly double the letter prices, with 1st class at £3.30 and 2nd class at £1.55.
- Royal Mail offers a small discount when you buy postage online for 1st class large letters: £3.20 instead of £3.30.
- First class delivery aims for the next working day, including Saturdays. Second class aims for two to three working days.
- Both classes cover standard letters weighing up to 100g, with a maximum size of 240mm x 165mm x 5mm.
Snapshot of Current Stamp Prices
| Stamp Type | Price | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class Letter | £1.80 | April 2026 | Up to 100g |
| 2nd Class Letter | 91p | April 2026 | Up to 100g |
| 1st Class Large Letter | £3.30 | April 2026 | Up to 100g; £3.20 online |
| 2nd Class Large Letter | £1.55 | April 2026 | Up to 100g |
| Book of 2nd Class Stamps (8) | £7.28 | April 2026 | Based on 8 × 91p |
What Are the Prices for Large Letters?
Large letters – items that are thicker, wider, or heavier than a standard letter – cost more to send. For items up to 100g, the current Royal Mail prices are:
- 1st Class Large Letter: £3.30 at Post Office, £3.20 if bought online.
- 2nd Class Large Letter: £1.55 both at Post Office and online.
Buying postage online for a 1st class large letter saves 10p per item. This discount is not available for 2nd class large letters, which remain £1.55 regardless of purchase method.
Size Limits for Large Letters
Letters up to 100g can be sent with standard stamp prices provided they do not exceed 240mm x 165mm x 5mm in size. For larger dimensions or heavier weights, the item is classified as a large letter or parcel, requiring additional postage. The exact weight and size thresholds are available from Royal Mail’s official size guide.
How Much Does a Book of Stamps Cost?
Buying stamps in booklets or sheets can be more economical than purchasing single stamps. Royal Mail offers several options for both 1st and 2nd class stamps.
1st Class Stamp Books
- 4 x 1st Class Stamp Book: £7.20 (£1.80 per stamp)
- 8 x 1st Class Stamp Book: £14.40 (£1.80 per stamp)
- 50 x 1st Class Stamp Sheet: £90.00 (£1.80 per stamp)
2nd Class Stamp Books
- 8 x 2nd Class Stamp Book: £7.28 (91p per stamp)
- 50 x 2nd Class Stamp Sheet: £45.50 (91p per stamp)
Large Letter Stamp Books
- 4 x 1st Class Large Letter Stamp Book: £13.20 (£3.30 per stamp)
- 4 x 2nd Class Large Letter Stamp Book: £6.20 (£1.55 per stamp)
- 50 x 1st Class Large Letter Stamp Sheet: £165.00 (£3.30 per stamp)
- 50 x 2nd Class Large Letter Stamp Sheet: £77.50 (£1.55 per stamp)
Purchasing a sheet of 50 stamps offers the same per‑stamp price as buying singles. The benefit is convenience and having postage ready for multiple mailings. There is no bulk discount on 1st or 2nd class stamps from these official prices.
When Did Royal Mail Last Increase Stamp Prices?
Royal Mail has raised stamp prices several times in recent years. The most recent increase took effect on 7 April 2026.
- 7 April 2026 – 1st class letter rose from £1.70 to £1.80 (+10p, 6% increase); 1st class large letter rose from £3.15 to £3.30 (+15p, 5% increase); 2nd class letter rose from 87p to 91p (+4p, 5% increase). Second class large letters remained at £1.55.
- April 2025 – 1st class letter rose from £1.65 to £1.70 (+5p); 2nd class letter rose from 85p to 87p (+2p).
- October 2024 – 1st class letter rose from £1.35 to £1.65 (+22%).
These changes were reported by several news outlets, including BBC News, which noted the April 2026 increase for first class letters to £1.80.
Where Can You Buy Stamps in the UK?
Stamps are available from multiple locations in the UK. You can purchase them at Post Offices, online via Royal Mail’s shop, and at some supermarkets and newsagents. The price for standard 1st and 2nd class stamps is the same regardless of where you buy them, with one exception: first class large letter stamps are 10p cheaper when bought online.
While most stamp prices are uniform across outlets, the 1st class large letter costs £3.30 at Post Office and £3.20 online. Always check the online price before purchasing if you are sending a large letter first class.
According to Post Office – Stamps, they sell all Royal Mail stamp types at counter prices. Royal Mail’s official shop also offers online delivery. For business customers, Citizens Advice provides guidance on bulk discounts and postal services.
What Is Known and Unknown About Current Stamp Prices?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Current prices as of April 2026 are £1.80 for 1st class letter and 91p for 2nd class letter. | Exact pricing for items over 100g varies by weight band; consult Royal Mail official tables. |
| Prices for large letters up to 100g are £3.30 (1st) and £1.55 (2nd). Online discount for 1st class large letter is confirmed. | Whether discounted online prices are available for all services – only confirmed for 1st class large letter. |
| Delivery standards: next working day for 1st class, two to three working days for 2nd class (including Saturdays). | Future price changes – Royal Mail may adjust prices annually; no dates beyond 2026 are set. |
Why Have Stamp Prices Increased?
Royal Mail has attributed the continued price rises to the “continued rise in cost of delivery,” as stated by Richard Travers, managing director of letters at Royal Mail. The company says it carefully considers price changes to balance affordability with rising operational costs such as fuel, wages, and transportation.
Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has also proposed changes to Royal Mail’s delivery obligations. Under the proposals, the first-class next-day delivery requirement would be reduced from 93% to 90%, and the second-class three-day requirement from 98.5% to 95%. These regulatory shifts may allow Royal Mail more flexibility in managing costs, potentially influencing future pricing.
Compared to previous years, the April 2026 increase of 5.9% for first class and 4.6% for second class is in line with inflation trends. Some consumers have switched to 2nd class for non‑urgent mail to save money.
What Do Official Sources Say About Stamp Prices?
“A first class stamp now costs £1.80 – an increase of 10p – while a second class letter has risen by 4p to 91p.”
BBC News, 7 April 2026 (source)
“Sending a Large Letter (up to 100g) by First Class costs £3.30. If you purchase your postage online, it’s £3.20.”
Royal Mail Stamp Costs FAQ (source)
What Should You Remember About 1st and 2nd Class Stamp Prices?
As of April 2026, a first class stamp costs £1.80 and a second class stamp costs 91p. Large letters require higher postage, and buying online for first class large letters saves 10p. Prices have increased several times in recent years, and further changes remain possible. Always verify current rates on Royal Mail’s official channels before posting. For a complete overview of all stamp types and historical data, see our Royal Mail Stamp Prices: Comprehensive Overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use old stamps with the Queen’s head?
Yes, all stamps featuring the Queen’s head that were issued before the change to King Charles III stamps remain valid for postage. Royal Mail has not announced a deadline for their use.
Are stamp prices the same at every Post Office?
Yes, stamp prices are uniform across all Post Office branches in the UK. The only price difference is for first class large letters, which are cheaper when bought online from Royal Mail.
How many stamps do I need for a letter weighing over 100g?
For letters over 100g, you need to check the weight and size against Royal Mail’s pricing bands. The cost increases with weight and dimensions. Use Royal Mail’s online postage calculator to determine the exact postage needed.
What is the size limit for a large letter?
Royal Mail defines a large letter as up to 353mm x 250mm x 25mm and weighing up to 750g. For items beyond those dimensions, you need a small parcel or medium parcel service. The standard letter size limit is 240mm x 165mm x 5mm.
Do I pay more if I buy stamps at a shop vs online?
For standard 1st and 2nd class stamps, prices are the same whether bought in a shop, Post Office, or online. The only exception is the 1st class large letter, which costs £3.30 in shops but £3.20 online.
Is there a discount for businesses?
Businesses can access discounted postage prices by using Royal Mail’s business account service or using online postage in bulk. The standard retail prices apply to individual customers buying from Post Offices or shops.
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