How Much Is a First Class Stamp – 2026 UK Price Update & Guide

A 1st Class stamp in the United Kingdom now costs £1.80. The price rose by 10p in May 2026, marking the eighth increase for first-class stamps in six years. Royal Mail has confirmed that overall stamp prices have more than doubled since 2020, with the latest adjustment reflecting ongoing operational and economic pressures.

The change is part of a broader 2026 pricing update that also affects 2nd Class stamps, large letters, and several business mail services. For consumers, this means the cost of sending a standard letter has risen by nearly 6% in a single adjustment.

Below is a breakdown of the current prices, a comparison between stamp classes, and an overview of what the changes mean for regular mail users.

How much is a First Class stamp in the UK (2026)?

1st Class Letter
£1.80
Up to 100g, standard letter size

1st Class Large Letter
£3.30
Up to 100g, up to 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm

2nd Class Letter
91p
Up to 100g, standard letter size

Book of 8 — 1st Class
£14.40
Book of 8 individual stamps

Key insights about the 2026 first-class stamp price

The current price of a first-class stamp is £1.80, a 10p increase from the previous £1.70.
A 2nd Class stamp rose by 4p to 91p, making the gap between first and second class £0.89 per letter.
Buying a book of eight first-class stamps (£14.40) costs the same as buying eight individual stamps — there is no bulk discount.
Large letters cost nearly double standard letters at first class, making size a critical cost factor.
Prices have nearly tripled since 2016, when a first-class stamp cost just 64p.

First-class stamp price snapshot (May 2026)

Category	Price (from May 2026)
1st Class Letter (up to 100g)	£1.80
Previous 1st Class price	£1.70
2nd Class Letter (up to 100g)	91p
1st Class Large Letter (up to 100g)	£3.30
1st Class Large Letter (up to 250g)	£3.60
Book of 8 — 1st Class	£14.40
Book of 8 — 2nd Class	£7.28 (estimated)
Effective date for consumer prices	May 3, 2026

How much is a 1st Class stamp compared to a 2nd Class stamp?

The difference between sending a letter first class and second class is now 89p. A first-class stamp costs exactly double the price of a second-class stamp for standard letters.

Cost difference between stamp classes

Second-class stamps remain the most cost-effective option for non-urgent mail. At 91p, they are less than half the price of a first-class stamp. For users sending bills, greetings cards, or other routine correspondence that does not require next-day delivery, second class offers significant savings.

The widening price gap

The 10p increase on first class is more than double the 4p increase on second class. This means the price gap between the two services has widened considerably, making second-class stamps an increasingly attractive option for cost-conscious consumers and small businesses.

How much is a Large First Class stamp?

A first-class large letter stamp costs £3.30 for items up to 100g. For heavier large letters up to 250g, the price rises to £3.60.

Price of a first-class stamp for a large letter

The large letter tariff applies to items that exceed standard letter dimensions but fit within 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm. Using a standard first-class stamp on a large letter will result in underpayment.

How much is a book of First Class Stamps?

A book of eight first-class stamps costs £14.40. There is no discount for buying a book compared to purchasing individual stamps — the price per stamp remains £1.80.

Book of 8 First Class vs book of 8 Second Class

A book of eight second-class stamps is estimated at £7.28. For users who send a mix of urgent and non-urgent mail, buying both books can be a practical approach to managing postage costs.

Buying stamps strategically

Because books of stamps offer no bulk discount, purchasing individual stamps as needed is equally cost-effective. For those who send mail regularly, keeping a supply of both first and second-class stamps avoids last-minute trips to the Post Office.

Validity of older stamps

Pre-purchased stamps remain valid indefinitely regardless of the price printed on them. However, users who bought stamps before the May 2026 increase may need to add a 10p “make-up” stamp to cover the difference for first-class postage. Royal Mail has not always made this requirement clear on its consumer-facing pages.

Timeline of First Class Stamp Price Increases

2016: First-class stamp costs 64p.
October 2024: First-class stamp rises to £1.70, second class to 87p.
April 7, 2026: Business and franking machine prices update, setting the stage for consumer changes.
May 3, 2026: Consumer first-class stamp price rises to £1.80, second class to 91p — the eighth increase in six years and a 137% rise since 2020.

Sources: GB News, The Independent, and MyMailingRoom.

What is certain and uncertain about stamp prices in the UK?

Established information

As of May 3, 2026, a first-class stamp costs £1.80.
A second-class stamp costs 91p.
Prices are set by Royal Mail and regulated by Ofcom.
Pre-purchased stamps are valid indefinitely, though makeup stamps may be required.

Information that remains unclear

Whether Royal Mail will increase prices again in 2027 — this depends on inflation, operational costs, and decisions by the regulator Ofcom.
Whether a 10p make-up stamp is strictly required for old first-class stamps, as guidance is not prominently displayed on official channels.
The exact trajectory of the fuel and energy surcharge, which rose from 11% to 16% in 2026.

Why did Royal Mail increase stamp prices in 2026?

Royal Mail has cited falling letter volumes combined with rising delivery addresses as the primary driver of increased per-item costs. As fewer letters are posted but more delivery points are added, the cost of maintaining the universal service rises.

External pressures have also played a role. Global oil and fuel shortages, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East, have increased Royal Mail’s operational costs. This justified a fuel surcharge increase from 11% to 16%, implemented on a 14-day notice period.

Despite missing some delivery targets in early 2026, prices rose across the board. Premium services such as Signed For, Tracked, and parcel deliveries also saw increases.

What are official sources saying about the price increase?

“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

“A 1st Class stamp is £1.80 and a 2nd Class stamp is 91p from 7 April 2026 (up 10p and 4p respectively).”

— Staples UK

Royal Mail’s official 2026 pricing page remains the definitive source for all current postage rates, including business and international services.

Summary

The price of a first-class stamp in the UK is now £1.80, following a 10p increase implemented in May 2026. With second-class letters at 91p and large letters costing £3.30 or more, understanding size classifications and choosing the right service can help consumers manage rising postage costs. For the latest official rates, visit the Royal Mail First Class Stamp Price Increase in 2026 (UK) page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are old 1st Class stamps still valid after the price increase?

Yes, older stamps typically remain valid, but you may need to add a make-up stamp to cover the difference. Check Royal Mail’s official guidance for confirmation.

Where can I buy 1st Class stamps at the current price?

You can buy them at shop.royalmail.com, any Post Office branch, or at official retailers like Staples.

Can I use a 1st Class stamp for a large letter?

No — a first-class stamp is for standard letters only (up to 100g, max size 24cm x 16.5cm x 0.5cm). Large letters require a different tariff (£3.30 for first class up to 100g).

What is the price of a First Class stamp in 2026 for a large letter?

£3.30 for a large letter up to 100g (first class). For large letters up to 250g, the price is £3.60.

How many stamps do I need for a large letter?

You need one large letter stamp (or the equivalent postage value). Using two standard first-class stamps (£3.60) would overpay.

How much does a 2nd Class stamp cost?

A second-class stamp for a standard letter up to 100g costs 91p.

Has the price of stamps really doubled since 2020?

Yes. First-class stamp prices have risen by approximately 137% since 2020, meaning they have more than doubled in less than six years.

What is the fuel and energy surcharge for 2026?

The fuel and energy surcharge increased from 11% to 16% for Royal Mail in 2026, and from 8% to 13% for Parcelforce.

Can I use a 2nd Class stamp for a large letter?

Yes, but you must pay the large letter rate. A single second-class standard stamp (91p) is insufficient to cover a large letter; you need the equivalent of £1.75 in postage.