{"id":883,"date":"2019-05-14T08:11:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-14T08:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nanagram.co\/blog\/?p=883"},"modified":"2026-07-08T03:56:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T03:56:38","slug":"how-to-mail-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nanagram.co\/blog\/how-to-mail-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Send 4×6 Photos In the Mail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s something special about a printed photo that email, social media, and texting can\u2019t beat. A photo can be displayed all around the home \u2014 in frames, the fridge, or in albums \u2014 constantly bringing your loved one joy. Mailing printed pictures to a grandparent, parent, or loved one is a beautiful way to say I love you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a quick guide on how to mail 4×6 pictures in 6 easy steps.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending a regular letter? Check out our guide on how many stamps to use per ounce<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1\/6: Print your photos<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walgreens<\/a>, Walmart<\/a>, and CVS<\/a> are a few local retailers who offer 1-hour photo printing. Check out our definitive guide to find local photo labs near you<\/a>. You can upload your photos online and pick-up in store. Or many of these local printers have kiosks in the store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a local photo lab<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Step 2\/6: Grab an envelope <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, you don\u2019t need expensive photo mailers to mail printed photos. (Unless, of course, you’re mailing one-of-a-kind prints in which case you should scan the originals and send copies instead!) A standard 4×6 picture print can be mailed with a regular envelope<\/strong>. Size A6 (4 3\/4 x 6 \u00bd) is the most ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: <\/strong>If you use an envelope much larger than A6, you’ll want to add an additional postage as your envelope won’t be a uniform thickness. See what the surcharge is<\/a> by using the postage price calculator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3\/6: Get stamps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re sending more than 6 photos, you’ll need “additional ounce” stamps. Most people don’t have these readily available at home. You’ll want to make a trip to your local post office to pick some up. You can also order stamps online<\/a>. Technically you can use a second $0.82 stamp in place of an additional ounce stamp ($0.29), but these added costs add up! <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"2017
Additional ounce stamps are $0.29 each<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Step 4\/6: Add your photos to your envelope & weigh it<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the United States, the maximum weight for a first-class envelope<\/a> is 3.5 ounces. The first stamp covers the first ounce. You can then buy \u201cadditional ounce\u201d stamps for each ounce increment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A typical 4×6 print is 0.11 ounces. A standard A6 envelope is 0.18 ounces. Using a slightly average envelope weight of 0.25 ounces, here is a general idea of how much your envelope probably weighs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip:<\/strong> Use a digital kitchen scale to double check the weight of your envelope. Or bring it into a local post office just to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Digital
Weight varies by where you have your photos printed. It’s best to weigh your envelope.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Total 4x6 printed photos<\/strong><\/td>Weight<\/strong><\/td>Stamps<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
1<\/td>0.36 ounce<\/td>1 ($0.82)<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>0.8 ounce<\/td>1 ($0.82)<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>0.91 ounce<\/td>1 ($0.82)<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>1.02 ounces<\/td>1 + 1 additional ounce ($1.11)<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>1.24 ounces<\/td>1 + 1 additional ounce ($1.11)<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>1.46 ounces<\/td>1 + 1 additional ounce ($1.11)<\/td><\/tr>
13<\/td>1.68 ounces<\/td>1 + 1 additional ounce ($1.11)<\/td><\/tr>
15<\/td>1.9 ounces<\/td>1 + 1 additional ounce ($1.11)<\/td><\/tr>
17<\/td>2.12 ounces<\/td>1 + 2 additional ounces ($1.40)<\/td><\/tr>
19<\/td>2.34 ounces<\/td>1 + 2 additional ounces ($1.40)<\/td><\/tr>
21<\/td>2.56 ounces<\/td>1 + 2 additional ounces ($1.40)<\/td><\/tr>
23<\/td>2.78 ounces<\/td>1 + 2 additional ounces ($1.40)<\/td><\/tr>
25<\/td>3 ounces<\/td>1 + 2 additional ounces ($1.40)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n\n\n

We used photo paper that’s on the heavier side. Most photo printers use a thinner paper. When in doubt, weigh your envelope!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5\/6: Add correct postage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Add the correct postage based on your number of photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n