PayPal Fee Calculator
Enter an amount to see the fee and what you keep, or switch the mode to find what to charge so that you receive an exact amount after fees. The rate and the fixed fee can both be edited.
How to use this PayPal fee calculator
- Enter the amount of the payment.
- Choose whether you want the fee on a charge, or the amount to charge so that you receive a set amount.
- Check the rate and the fixed fee. They start from the figures on the PayPal business fees page and you can edit them.
- Add an extra percentage if your payments carry one, such as an international or currency conversion charge.
- Press Calculate and use Copy result to share the figures.
How to calculate PayPal fees
Payment fees are a percentage of the charge plus a fixed amount.
- Fee = amount x rate + fixed fee
- You receive = amount – fee
- Charge needed to receive a set amount = (amount wanted + fixed fee) / (1 – rate)
- Effective rate = fee / amount
Worked example
For a $100.00 payment at 3.49% + $0.49, the fee is 100 x 3.49% + 0.49 = $3.98, so you receive $96.02. That is an effective rate of 3.98%. To receive exactly $100.00 after fees you would charge (100 + 0.49) / (1 – 0.0349) = $104.12.
PayPal lists different rates for different payment types, so the right rate depends on how your customer pays. Standard card payments, QR code payments and invoices each have their own line on the fee page. Change the rate to match the one you use, then compare the effective rate.
The fixed fee has a larger effect on small payments. On a $5 payment, the 49 cents fixed fee alone is almost 10 percent, so many sellers set a minimum order or bundle items.
Assumptions & limits
- The defaults of 3.49% + $0.49 match the PayPal Checkout rate on the PayPal US business fees page, which showed a last-updated date of October 1, 2026. Other methods have other rates, such as 2.99% for standard card payments, so edit the rate for your payment type.
- The rate and fixed fee are editable inputs. Fees differ by country, payment method, volume deals and account type, so the figure on your own statement is the one that counts. Last verified: November 5, 2026.
- The calculator covers the fee on one payment. Refunds, disputes, payouts, currency conversion and monthly charges are separate.
- It does not include sales tax or income tax.
- It is a planning tool and not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PayPal charge to receive money?
On the PayPal business fees page the rate for PayPal Checkout is 3.49% plus a fixed fee of $0.49 for US dollar payments, and standard card payments are 2.99% plus the fixed fee. Check the page for your payment type.
How do I calculate what to charge to cover the fee?
Add the fixed fee to the amount you want, then divide by one minus the rate. The calculator does this in the second mode.
Is the fixed fee charged on every payment?
Yes, it applies to each transaction, so it matters more for small payments than large ones.
Does the fee change by payment method?
Often yes. Cards, wallets, bank transfers and international payments can carry different rates, so edit the rate for your case.
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Last updated: November 2026