Royal Mail Guidelines
Prior to 2013, Royal Mail guidelines set out that parcels were classified on the basis of weight only. Since then parcels are both measured and weighed before being classified. Prices were also updated back on 31st March 2014, though he classification remained the same.
All parcels to be posted are classified as either small, medium or large based on both their weight and dimensions with the cost of postage calculated accordingly.
The following size and weight guide should help you calculate your postage and help you to avoid any unexpected costs.
Royal Mail Size & Weight Allowances - UK
|
Format |
Max. |
Max. |
Max. |
Max. |
Examples |
|
Letter |
24cm |
16.5cm |
0.5cm |
100g |
Standard letter, greeting card, postcard |
|
Large Letter |
35.3cm |
25cm |
2.5cm |
750g |
Small books, magazines, CDs & DVDs |
|
Small parcel |
45cm |
35cm |
8cm |
2kg |
Large books, items of clothing, toys and gifts |
|
Small parcel |
35cm |
25cm |
16cm |
2kg |
Books, DVD boxsets, clothing, toys and gifts |
|
Medium parcel |
61cm |
46cm |
46cm |
20kg |
Larger items of clothing, footwear, household appliances |
Large Parcels:
Any parcel exceeding just one of the maximum allowed limits for a medium parcel will be considered a large parcel.
Exceptions:
Rolled and cylinder shaped parcels that measure up to 45cm in length and 8cm in diameter and do not exceed 2kg can be sent as small parcels. For larger rolled and cylindrical parcels, the length of the item plus twice the diameter must not exceed 104cm, with the greatest dimension being no more than 90cm.
Royal Mail Postage Costs
|
Royal Mail 1st Class |
Royal Mail 2nd Class |
|||
|
Small Parcels |
Medium Parcels |
Small Parcels |
Medium Parcels |
|
|
up to 1kg |
£3.20 |
£5.65 |
£2.80 |
£5.20 |
|
up to 2kg |
£5.45 |
£8.90 |
£3.80 |
£8.00 |
|
up to 5kg |
- |
£15.85 |
- |
£13.75 |
|
up to 10kg |
- |
£21.90 |
- |
£20.25 |
|
up to 20kg |
- |
£33.40 |
- |
£28.55 |
|
Inclusive compensation |
£20.00 |
£20.00 |
£20.00 |
£20.00 |
Large Parcels:
Any large parcel cannot be sent via standard Royal Mail services but will require a courier service, such as Royal Mail partner Parcelforce Worldwide. These services will, as standard, incur a greater cost than regular post, but they provide tracking and can guarantee delivery by a particular time.
Posted on 20th Jun 2016
