Information Guide

How Many Postage Stamps for an A4 Envelope?

Sending an A4 envelope and not sure how many stamps to use? Here's the correct postage for every weight.

3 min readUpdated April 2025

How many stamps for an A4 envelope?

An A4 envelope counts as a "large letter" with Royal Mail. You'll need at least one large letter stamp, or two standard stamps, depending on weight. The exact number depends on how heavy the contents are.

Up to 100g: 1 large letter stamp (1st or 2nd class)
Using standard stamps? You'll need 2 standard 1st class stamps to cover a large letter up to 100g
Over 100g: additional postage required - check Royal Mail rates or use large letter stamps
One standard stamp is NOT enough for an A4 envelope - your letter may be returned or the recipient charged

Quick answer

You need 1 large letter stamp or 2 standard stamps for an A4 envelope up to 100g. If it weighs more, you'll need additional postage. A4 envelopes are classified as "large letters" by Royal Mail, which cost more than standard letters. Weigh your envelope at home or at the Post Office to be sure.

Why A4 envelopes are 'large letters'

Royal Mail classifies post by size and weight. Standard letters are up to C5 size (162 x 229mm). Anything larger, including A4 (210 x 297mm), counts as a "large letter."

Standard letter max: 240mm x 165mm x 5mm, up to 100g
Large letter max: 353mm x 250mm x 25mm, up to 750g

If your A4 envelope is thicker than 25mm or heavier than 750g, it becomes a "small parcel" and costs significantly more.

Need to know stamp prices? Check how much a large letter stamp costs or find out how many stamps come in a book.

Stamps needed by weight

A4 envelope postage0 / 4 checked

Up to 100g: 1 large letter stamp OR 2 standard stamps
101-250g: additional postage required (check Royal Mail rates)
251-500g: significantly more postage needed
Over 750g or thicker than 25mm: classified as small parcel

Prices change regularly. Visit royalmail.com for the latest rates, or weigh your envelope at the Post Office for exact postage.

Tips for saving on A4 envelope postage

If you regularly send A4 envelopes, buy large letter stamps directly. They're cheaper than using two standard stamps and there's no risk of underpaying.

2nd class large letter stamps cost less than 1st class. The delivery takes 2-3 days instead of next day, but saves money on regular mailings.

Royal Mail's Click & Drop service often offers slightly cheaper rates than stamps. You print the postage at home and drop the envelope in a post box.

Sending something heavier? Check how many stamps for a small parcel or find out current stamp prices.

Alternatives to stamps for A4 envelopes

Franking machines save money for businesses sending lots of mail. Click & Drop lets you print postage at home. Post Office counter service weighs your item and applies exact postage, avoiding over or underpayment.
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Frequently asked questions

1 large letter stamp or 2 standard stamps for up to 100g. Heavier envelopes need additional postage.

Yes. A4 envelopes exceed standard letter dimensions and are classified as 'large letters' by Royal Mail.

No. One standard stamp only covers a standard letter. An A4 envelope needs a large letter stamp or 2 standard stamps.

The letter may be returned to you or delivered with a surcharge that the recipient has to pay.

The price of a large letter stamp. Check royalmail.com for current rates as they change periodically.

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