Royal Mail Postage Prices
Last updated: October 2026
The latest Royal Mail letter and large letter prices came into effect on 7 April 2026, and parcel prices were updated on 5 October 2026. The prices below compare current stamp prices with Mailmark® franking rates, the most cost-effective way for UK businesses to send post.
Sending regular post? Businesses using a Mailmark franking machine save money compared to standard stamps on every item they send. Get a free quote.
Royal Mail increased postage prices in April 2026 as part of its annual rate review. The changes affect all UK Standard services including letters, large letters and parcels. On 5 October 2026, Royal Mail raised parcel stamp prices again, while Mailmark parcel prices were held. Businesses using a Mailmark franking machine now pay less than the equivalent stamp price on every letter, large letter and parcel, making franking one of the most cost-effective options for regular business mail.
The 2026 Royal Mail price increases affect a range of services for all stamp, standard franking and Mailmark users. However, franking customers still see a saving over stamp users, particularly those using a Mailmark franking machine.
Mailmark franking costs less than stamps on every letter, large letter and parcel. A business sending 50 large letters per day at 1st class saves £22 per day with Mailmark. That’s over £5,500 a year.
View the current prices below. Letter and large letter prices are effective from 7 April 2026, and parcel prices from 5 October 2026.
| Format | Weight | Stamp 1st | Mailmark 1st | Stamp 2nd | Mailmark 2nd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | Up to 100g | £1.80 | £1.77 | £0.91 | £0.88 |
| Large Letter | Up to 100g | £3.30 | £2.86 | £1.55 | £1.52 |
| Large Letter | Up to 250g | £3.60 | £3.28 | £1.90 | £1.81 |
| Large Letter | Up to 500g | £3.60 | £3.30 | £2.40 | £2.30 |
| Large Letter | Up to 750g | £3.60 | £3.30 | £2.70 | £2.50 |
| Small Parcel | Up to 2kg | £5.90 | £5.45 | £4.60 | £4.25 |
| Medium Parcel | Up to 2kg | £8.70 | £8.05 | £7.50 | £6.95 |
| Medium Parcel | Up to 10kg | £10.90 | £10.05 | £9.50 | £8.75 |
| Medium Parcel | Up to 20kg | £16.90 | £15.45 | £14.20 | £13.15 |
All prices exclude VAT. Green prices indicate a Mailmark saving over the equivalent stamp price.
Save Money on Royal Mail Postage Prices with Mailmark
For businesses sending regular post, the savings from Mailmark franking add up quickly, particularly on large letters where the difference between stamp and franking prices is most significant.
As a Royal Mail authorised independent supplier, Ashcroft Mailing Solutions can help you find the right franking machine for your send volume and budget.
Get a free, no-obligation quote or call us on 01789 768 730.
Royal Mail Postage Prices: Frequently Asked Questions
When did the latest Royal Mail prices come into effect? The current letter and large letter prices came into effect on 7 April 2026. Parcel prices were updated on 5 October 2026.
What is Mailmark franking? Mailmark is Royal Mail’s most up-to-date franking technology, required on all new franking machines. It gives businesses access to the latest discounted postage rates and keeps your mail fully compliant with Royal Mail’s systems.
Why is Mailmark cheaper than stamps? Royal Mail offers a small discount on franked mail because it is pre-sorted and easier to process than stamped items. This discount is passed directly to businesses using a Mailmark franking machine.
Do I need a Mailmark franking machine? If you’re buying a new franking machine, it will be Mailmark-compatible as standard. Older machines may need upgrading.