How to Figure Shipping Costs

Inevitably you'll need to ship something by mail and whether you're sending it to the next city, across the country or internationally, you'll want to avoid surprises when it comes to the cost of shipping it. To do that you'll want to figure out what the shipping costs are even before taking it to the post office.

1. Center your completely wrapped and/or sealed package onto a scale and write down the exact weight including ounces. Make sure to weigh the package after it is sealed and wrapped, as the box, stuffing contents and wrapping will add some ounces to the entire package's weight.


2. Use a ruler to measure the length, width and height of your package. Write those numbers down.


3. Go online to the website for the service that you plan to use for shipping your package. Your main choices are the USPS, FedEx and UPS.


4. Find their link to calculate shipping costs and pick either domestic, international or business postage.


5. Enter your package's measurements, the total weight and the destination information as instructed to calculate the total costs. Make sure to include the full address, city, state and zip code of where you are mailing the package. Also include the zip code where the package is being mailed from.


6. Write down the postage costs and print the mailing labels if the website you are on allows you to do so.


7. Take the package to the local shipping company's office, whether you are using the United States Postal Service, FedEx or UPS. Have the employee weigh your package and confirm the shipping costs are the same as quoted on the website. Pay the shipping and mail your package.