Enter a required postage amount to calculate how many ordinary Forever stamps are needed. At the current 82¢ value, the tool rounds up to the next whole stamp and shows the resulting overpayment. It also shows a closer combination using whole Forever stamps plus smaller-denomination postage.
$1.70 requires 3 whole Forever stamps
Three stamps provide $2.46 and overpay by $0.76. A closer combination is two Forever stamps plus 6¢ in additional postage.
How the Calculation Works
- Divide the required postage by the current value of one ordinary Forever stamp.
- Round up because postage cannot be short.
- Multiply the whole-stamp count by the stamp value.
- Subtract the required amount to show overpayment.
Formula: whole stamps = ceiling(required postage ÷ Forever value).
Common Amounts at the Current 82¢ Value
| Required postage | Whole Forever stamps | Postage supplied | Overpayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1.01 | 2 | $1.64 | $0.63 |
| $1.20 | 2 | $1.64 | $0.44 |
| $1.30 | 2 | $1.64 | $0.34 |
| $1.40 | 2 | $1.64 | $0.24 |
| $1.50 | 2 | $1.64 | $0.14 |
| $1.60 | 2 | $1.64 | $0.04 |
| $1.63 | 2 | $1.64 | $0.01 |
| $1.65 | 3 | $2.46 | $0.81 |
| $1.70 | 3 | $2.46 | $0.76 |
| $1.77 | 3 | $2.46 | $0.69 |
| $1.90 | 3 | $2.46 | $0.56 |
| $2.17 | 3 | $2.46 | $0.29 |
| $2.31 | 3 | $2.46 | $0.15 |
| $2.59 | 4 | $3.28 | $0.69 |
| $2.87 | 4 | $3.28 | $0.41 |
| $3.00 | 4 | $3.28 | $0.28 |
| $3.15 | 4 | $3.28 | $0.13 |
Use a Closer Combination When Possible
Whole Forever stamps are convenient, but they can overpay substantially. For $1.70, two ordinary Forever stamps provide $1.64, so adding 6¢ is closer than using three whole stamps. The calculator shows this remainder automatically.
This Tool Does Not Determine the Required Postage
The amount must come from the correct USPS classification for the finished mailpiece. Weight, dimensions, thickness, rigidity, shape, destination and extra services can change the price. Use the mailpiece postage calculator first if you do not already know the required dollar amount, then verify with the USPS Postage Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does $1.65 require three Forever stamps?
Two current ordinary Forever stamps equal $1.64, which is one cent short. Three whole stamps are therefore required unless you add at least 1¢ to two stamps.
How many Forever stamps equal $3?
Four current ordinary Forever stamps provide $3.28. A closer combination is three Forever stamps plus 54¢.
Can I deliberately overpay postage?
Valid postage above the required amount is generally accepted, but unused excess is not refunded. A smaller-denomination combination can reduce waste.
Default stamp value checked August 31, 2026. The calculator starts at the 82¢ ordinary Forever value effective July 12, 2026. Update the value field if the rate changes.