Information Guide

How Many Stamps for a Small Parcel?

Trying to stick stamps on a small parcel? Here's how many you need and whether there's a cheaper way to send it.

3 min readUpdated April 2025

How many stamps for a small parcel?

Technically you can use stamps on a small parcel, but it's expensive. You'd need multiple stamps to cover the cost, and the exact number depends on the parcel weight.

3-5 first class stamps depending on weight - but this is more expensive than paying at the Post Office counter
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Much cheaper to pay at the Post Office or use Click & Drop for exact postage rates
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Courier services like Evri and InPost can be even cheaper for parcels
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Don't guess the number of stamps - underpayment means the parcel is returned or the recipient pays a surcharge

Quick answer

You can use stamps on a small parcel, but it's not cost-effective. You'd need 3-5+ first class stamps depending on weight. It's much cheaper to pay at the Post Office counter, use Royal Mail Click & Drop, or send via a courier like Evri. Always weigh your parcel before posting to avoid underpayment.

What counts as a small parcel?

Max dimensions: 61cm x 46cm x 46cm (length x width x depth)
Max weight: 2kg for small parcels via Royal Mail
Anything too thick for the letter slot (over 25mm) but within these limits is a small parcel

Sending a letter instead? Check stamps needed for an A4 envelope or find out large letter stamp prices.

Cheaper ways to send small parcels

Better alternatives to stamps0 / 4 checked

Post Office counter - pay the exact rate by weight and size, no overpayment
Royal Mail Click & Drop - discounted online rates, print labels at home
Evri - often the cheapest option for small parcels, from around £2-3
InPost lockers - competitive prices and 24/7 drop-off convenience

Tips for sending small parcels

Use kitchen scales to weigh your parcel. Knowing the exact weight lets you compare prices across carriers before committing.

Sites like Parcel2Go, ParcelHero, and Parcel Monkey compare prices across Royal Mail, Evri, DPD, and others. You can often find rates 30-50% cheaper than Post Office prices.

Many carrier price bands jump at 1kg. Keeping your parcel just under 1kg can save on postage. Use lightweight packaging to help.

Need a courier? Learn how to send with DPD or find out how to use InPost lockers.

Using the Post Office for small parcels

Take your parcel to the counter and they'll weigh and measure it. You pay the exact postage rate with no guesswork. You can choose 1st class, 2nd class, tracked, or signed for at the counter. Much more reliable than trying to calculate stamp quantities yourself.
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Frequently asked questions

3-5+ first class stamps depending on weight. But it's much cheaper to pay at the Post Office counter or use a courier.

Yes, but it's not cost-effective. You'll overpay compared to counter rates or online postage services.

Usually Evri or InPost via a comparison site. From around £2-3 for small, light parcels. Royal Mail Click & Drop is also competitive.

Up to 61cm x 46cm x 46cm and up to 2kg. Anything thicker than 25mm but within these limits is a small parcel with Royal Mail.

Couriers are often cheaper for parcels. The Post Office is convenient if you're already there and want a simple process.

Related articles

How Many Stamps for an A4 Envelope?How Much Is a Large Letter Stamp?How Do I Send a Parcel with DPD?How to Use InPost Locker to Send a Parcel

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