How Much Does a Book of Stamps Cost in 2026?
A book of Forever stamps costs $16.40 in 2026
A standard book contains 20 Forever stamps, and each Forever stamp is worth the current First-Class letter rate of $0.82 (effective July 12, 2026). That makes the current book of stamps cost $16.40 (20 x $0.82). You’ll pay the same price at the Post Office, at retail stores, and on USPS.com.
Book of stamps price chart
| Stamp type | Price per stamp | Stamps per book | Book price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forever (First-Class letter) | $0.82 | 20 | $16.40 |
| Postcard stamp | $0.65 | 20 | $13.00 |
| Additional Ounce | $0.29 | 20 | $5.80 |
| Global (international) | $1.75 | 10 or 20 | $17.50 / $35.00 |
How many stamps are in a book?
Most books contain 20 stamps. USPS occasionally issues commemorative booklets of 12 or 16, so check the quantity printed on the booklet before you compare prices. If you mail letters regularly, a full book is the most practical format: one purchase covers 20 First-Class letters, and because Forever stamps never expire, an unused book keeps pace with every future rate increase.
Why the price changes over time
The book price moves whenever USPS changes the First-Class letter rate, which in recent years has happened once or twice per year. The July 2026 increase took the letter rate from $0.78 to $0.82, and USPS has signaled further adjustments ahead. Since a Forever stamp is always worth the current rate, a book you bought years ago at a lower price is worth the full $16.40 today. You can see what individual stamps from any era are worth on our current stamp values page, and read more about how Forever stamp values work.
Where to buy a book of stamps
Any Post Office window or self-service kiosk sells books at face value, and so does USPS.com with delivery to your mailbox. Most grocery stores, pharmacies, and office supply stores carry Forever stamp books at the register, though selection is usually limited to the current flag or seasonal design. Banks and some ATMs have largely stopped selling them.
Have extra books of stamps? They’re worth cash
If you’re sitting on books of stamps you’ll never mail, whether that’s a drawer full of Forever books or older denominated stamps, they hold real value. We buy unused postage stamps and pay a percentage of face value, with payment sent after a quick review of what you have. See how it works on our sell stamps for cash page, or learn whether you can sell back unused stamps.
Quick answers
How much is a book of 20 Forever stamps? $16.40 at the current $0.82 rate, effective July 12, 2026.
Is it cheaper to buy stamps in a book? No, the per-stamp price is identical. Books are about convenience, not discounts. USPS only discounts postage for high-volume commercial mailers.
Do books of stamps expire? No. Forever stamps are valid indefinitely and always cover the current First-Class letter rate.
Can I sell a book of stamps I don’t need? Yes. Unused books in good condition are exactly what stamp buying services like ours purchase every day.