weight of 1st class mail The weight of First-Class Mail varies depending on the type of item being mailed. For letters, the weight limit for First-Class Mail is 3.5 ounces for a standard letter. For larger envelopes and small packages, the weight limit is up to 13 ounces. Items exceeding these weight limits must be sent through a different service, such as Priority Mail. First-Class Mail is typically the most affordable shipping option for lightweight items, and its delivery speed ranges from 1 to 3 business days within the U.S. For heavier or more valuable items, other services like Priority Mail or First-Class Package Service may be more appropriate.