What Is the Abbreviation for Massachusetts?
The standard abbreviation for Massachusetts is MA. This page explains why Massachusetts uses MA, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's abbreviation is MA. You may also see Mass. in older writing, but MA is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use MA for Massachusetts in mailing addresses, shipping labels, official forms, and database records.
Why Massachusetts Uses MA
Massachusetts uses the USPS abbreviation MA.
MA became Massachusetts's standard postal abbreviation in 1963. The older form Mass. still appears in older publications, but MA is the form used in current addresses and forms.
Old Abbreviation for Massachusetts
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Massachusetts, that older style was usually Mass..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is MA. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Massachusetts, the practical answer is to recognize Mass. and use MA in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Massachusetts in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
MA Compared With Similar State Codes
MA is sometimes checked against ME and MD when several M-state abbreviations appear together.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Massachusetts and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Massachusetts belongs to the Northeast region. Its capital is Boston, and its postal code MA is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Massachusetts entered the Union on February 6, 1788.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Massachusetts?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Massachusetts is MA.
What is the postal abbreviation for Massachusetts?
MA is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Massachusetts. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Massachusetts?
Abbreviate Massachusetts as MA in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Massachusetts abbreviated MA?
Massachusetts uses the USPS abbreviation MA.
What does MA stand for?
MA stands for Massachusetts in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Massachusetts?
Older editorial styles often wrote Massachusetts as Mass.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is MA.
How do you write a Massachusetts mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code MA, then the ZIP Code. For example: Boston, MA 00000.
What state is MA?
MA is the postal abbreviation for Massachusetts, located in the Northeast region. The capital is Boston.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know MA stands for Massachusetts, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.