How much is a book of stamps?
A book of 20 USPS Forever stamps costs $15.60 in 2026, based on the current 78-cent First-Class Forever stamp price. A single Forever stamp is 78 cents.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Forever stamp | $0.78 | Current First-Class Mail Forever rate (effective July 2025). |
| Book of 20 (standard) | $15.60 | 20 Forever stamps; the most common book size. |
| Coil/roll of 100 | $78.00 | Sold as a roll for higher-volume mailers. |
| After July 12, 2026 (proposed) | $16.40 | If the proposed 82-cent rate takes effect, a book of 20 would cost $16.40. |
| Postcard stamp | $0.61 | For standard postcards, not letters. |
What a book of stamps costs in 2026
A standard book of stamps contains 20 First-Class Forever stamps. At the current rate of 78 cents per stamp, a full book costs $15.60. This price has held steady since the rate rose to 78 cents in July 2025, and USPS confirmed there was no January 2026 increase, the first January in several years without one.
Forever stamps are sold at the price of a First-Class Mail letter at the time you buy them, but they remain valid for one-ounce letters forever, even after rates rise. That makes buying a book at the current price a small hedge against future increases.
Where you buy them affects the price
Stamps purchased directly from USPS, whether at the Post Office, on USPS.com, or from a self-service kiosk, are sold at face value with no markup. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers also sell books of stamps at or near face value.
Some third-party sellers and online marketplaces charge a convenience premium above face value, so the same book of 20 can cost more than $15.60. To pay the exact rate, buy from USPS or a major retailer rather than a reseller.
Upcoming price changes to watch
USPS proposed raising the Forever stamp to 82 cents effective July 12, 2026. If approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, a single stamp would rise 4 cents and a book of 20 would cost $16.40.
Because Forever stamps never expire and stay valid regardless of future rate hikes, buying before a scheduled increase locks in the lower price. If you mail regularly, stocking up at 78 cents ahead of the proposed change can save a few dollars per book.
Frequently asked questions
- How many stamps are in a book?
- A standard book contains 20 stamps. USPS also sells coils and rolls of 100 for higher-volume needs.
- Do Forever stamps expire?
- No. Forever stamps never expire and always cover the cost of a one-ounce First-Class letter, even after postage rates increase.
- Is it cheaper to buy stamps online or at the Post Office?
- Both USPS.com and the Post Office sell at the same face value. Watch for third-party resellers, who often add a markup above face value.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.