What counts as a booklet for mailing?
A booklet is a bound, multi-page, letter-size piece mailed unenveloped: saddle-stitched (stapled at the spine), perfect-bound, or wallet/folded. It is not a folded self-mailer (a single sheet folded and tabbed). Booklets are sealed under DMM 201.3.16; do not apply the folded self-mailer tab rules to a bound booklet.
What size and weight can a mailed booklet be?
A booklet mails as a letter when it is within letter-size limits (minimum 3.5 x 5 in; maximum 6.125 in high x 11.5 in long x 0.25 in thick) and weighs no more than 3 ounces. Thickness must be between 0.009 and 0.25 in. For automation letter prices, booklets must also meet the tighter automation dimension standards in DMM 201.3.16; the common automation-compatible booklet size is about 5.5 to 6 in high by 7.25 to 9.75 in long. If a booklet is over 0.25 in thick or over 3 ounces, it mails as a flat, not a letter.
How does a 6 x 9 booklet mail?
- Category: letter-size, and within the automation-compatible booklet size box (6 in high by 9 in long fits), so it can qualify for automation letter prices when prepared correctly.
- Weigh the finished piece: it must be 3 ounces or less. A 12-page booklet on normal stock is usually well under that, but confirm the actual weight.
- Thickness must stay at or under 0.25 in (a 12-page saddle-stitched booklet normally is).
- Prepare it with the spine at the bottom and tabs on the open edges (see Which way does a booklet spine face when mailing and How is a booklet sealed for mailing).
- If it ends up over 3 ounces or over 0.25 in thick, it mails as a flat instead, which changes the price category.
Which way does a booklet spine face when mailing?
The bound edge (spine) goes at the bottom of the mailpiece, parallel to the length and to the address, unless USPS preapproves another orientation. Folded booklets may carry the folded spine as the leading edge or at the top. The address runs parallel to the longest dimension.
How is a booklet sealed for mailing?
Applies to bound LETTER-SIZE booklets. A booklet over 0.25 inch thick or over 3 ounces mails as a flat and is not sealed under these letter tabbing rules; see What size and weight can a mailed booklet be.
The open edges (opposite the spine) must be secured with nonperforated tabs (paper, translucent, vinyl, or plastic). Perforated tabs are not allowed, and cellophane tape cannot sit in the barcode clear zone. Number and placement depend on the booklet's weight and design. As a common guide for saddle-stitched booklets: lighter pieces use two 1.5 in tabs on the open edges within 1 in of the corners; booklets over 2 ounces up to 3 ounces use three 1.5 in tabs (two on the top edge, one on the lower leading edge). Confirm the exact tab count and placement for the specific piece against DMM 201.3.16; Plavidian prepress sets this.
Paper and cover weight (letter-size booklets)
Saddle-stitched booklets up to 1 ounce use at least 70-lb book stock; over 1 ounce up to 3 ounces use at least 80-lb. Perfect-bound booklets use at least 80-lb for all weights. Cover minimum basis weights apply per DMM 201.3.16.
Do booklets follow the folded self-mailer rules?
A folded self-mailer is a single sheet folded and tabbed (see What is a folded self-mailer); a booklet is bound. The sealing rules differ, so use the self-mailer rules for folded sheets and the booklet rules here for bound pieces. Never apply self-mailer tab counts to a bound booklet.
Class and pricing
A booklet can mail First-Class or as USPS Marketing Mail depending on content and quantity (see How do I choose a mail class). Automation letter prices require a valid Intelligent Mail barcode, a CASS-clean address, and correct booklet preparation. Exact postage comes from Notice 123 via the Postage Estimator.