Stamp artwork and stamp value are separate ideas: choose the correct postage category first, then choose a design.

Quick answer: For everyday domestic letters, regular Forever Stamps are most common. Postcards, international mail, heavier letters, nonmachinable envelopes, and Priority Mail use other values or categories.

Common stamp categories

TypeTypical use
ForeverQualifying one-ounce domestic letters
PostcardEligible domestic postcards
Global ForeverBase one-ounce international letters and eligible postcards
Additional OunceExtra weight after base letter postage
Two-OunceQualifying domestic letters up to two ounces
NonmachinableQualifying letters needing that surcharge
Fixed denominationExact-value combinations and makeup postage

Commemorative versus definitive

Commemorative stamps highlight a person, event, subject, or anniversary and are often sold for a limited issue period. Definitive stamps are produced for routine long-term postal use. Either can be valid postage when unused and genuine.

Choose by the mailpiece

Assemble, weigh, and measure the item before choosing. The same design theme may be issued in more than one value.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common stamp?

A domestic Forever Stamp for qualifying one-ounce First-Class Mail letters.

What is a makeup stamp?

A lower fixed denomination used with other postage to reach the required total.

Are commemorative stamps usable?

Yes, when genuine and unused; their postage value follows the denomination or category shown.

Sources and update note

Rates and mailing standards can change. This page was reviewed in August 2026; verify the completed mailpiece when its weight, dimensions, shape, destination, or services are uncertain.

Explore this topic

Preview each focused page below to understand its core task before opening it. The topic center provides the overview; each child page handles its own detailed answer.