When InstaRate starts up, it shows just the weight being read off the scale. There are several options on this screen:

Calculate Shipping Rates expands the window to show USPS rate calculation (see below).

Read Scale Continuously reads the weight off the scale every second, keeping the display in sync with what the scale says.

Read Weight from Scale reads the current weight off of the scale.

Weight is displayed in either pounds or ounces, and is used for rate calculation. You can click "Read Weight" above to fill this field with the current weight of items on the scale, or you can type in a weight.

From ZIP Code is where you'll be mailing your package from. Some USPS rates are based on how far a package travels, so both To and From ZIP codes are required.

To ZIP Code is the destination of your package.

Calculate looks up and displays the Domestic rates for your package.

USPS Domestic Mailing Rates are the current rates using the weight and zip codes provided.

You can access the Address Correction area by selecting "Address Correction" from the view menu.

Zip+4 Lookup and Address Validation links to a web page that will validate an address and add the ZIP+4 code.

Find a Street Address links to a web page to help you find a street by zip code.

You can access the Helpful Links area by selecting "Helpful Links" from the view menu.

Pelouze Scales links to the Pelouze homepage.

Endicia Mailing Software links to the Endicia homepage. Endicia offers a full line of shipping and mailing software.

DYMO Stamps links to the DYMO homepage. DYMO Stamps is the fast and easy way to print postage from your Mac or PC.

PictureItPostage links to the PictureItPostage homepage. Create personalized postage with your photographs.

USPS Web Site links to the USPS homepage.

USPS ZIP Code Lookup Web Site links to the USPS ZIP-code lookup page.

First-Class Letter-Envelope Mail For use with standard letter and business-sized envelopes. For detailed sizing, see chart below.

First-Class Large Envelope (Flats) Mail Flats are large envelopes. For detailed sizing, see chart below.

First-Class Package Mail A package is anything which does not qualify for a letter or large envelope rate. For detailed sizing, see chart below.

Priority Mail When you don't want to pay expedited shipping rates, Priority Mail will get your package, weighing 1 pound or less, to any destination within the United States in one to three days. While not required, Priority Mail packaging is available at no cost from www.usps.com or from your local post office.

Express Mail Express mail offers 1-day shipping to most locations in the US.

Parcel Post Inter-BMC Machinable Used for gifts and general merchandise, Parcel Post shipments may also contain books and other printed matter weighing 70 pounds or less. The maximum size is 130 inches in combined length and distance around the thickest part.

Media Mail Media Mail is used for books, film, manuscripts, printed music, printed test materials, sound recordings, play scripts, printed educational charts, loose-leaf pages and binders consisting of medical information, videotapes, and computer-recorded media like CDs and diskettes. Media Mail cannot contain advertising.

Zone displays the number of USPS zones traveled between the From and To ZIP Codes.