Introduction
PayPal takes a fee from most payments. Type in an amount, pick your transaction type, and this calculator shows the fee and the money left over.
The tool works two ways. Pick "I Am Sending" to see how much the other person gets after fees. Pick "I Want to Receive" to see how much the sender must pay so you end up with the exact amount you need. That second one is handy for invoices, freelance work, and online sales.
You can choose from many fee types, like goods and services, credit and debit cards, micropayments, invoicing, QR code payments, and Pay Later. There is a charity rate, an international surcharge option, and a custom rate box if your rate is different. Pick your country and the currency symbol changes for you.
Each result comes with a step-by-step math breakdown, your effective fee rate, charts, and a full fee table. You can also see close fee options side by side, so you know if another payment type would cost you less.
How to use our PayPal Fee Calculator
Enter your payment amount and pick your fee type. The calculator shows the PayPal fee, the net amount received, and your effective fee rate, plus a step-by-step breakdown.
Calculation Mode: Pick "I Am Sending" to take the fee out of your amount. Pick "I Want to Receive" to add the fee on top, so the net lands exactly right.
Amount: Type the payment amount. In sending mode this is the gross amount. In receiving mode this is the net amount you want to keep.
Account Type: Choose Personal, Business, or Nonprofit / Charity. Charity locks the rate to 1.99% + 0.49.
Country / Region: Pick where the account is based. This sets the currency symbol and tells you if cross-border rates may apply.
Transaction Type: Choose the PayPal service you use, like Checkout, Credit and Debit Cards, Micropayments, or QR Code. Each one has its own percent rate and fixed fee.
Use Custom Rate: Turn this on to type your own percentage rate and fixed fee. Use it if PayPal gave you a special rate.
Currency Symbol: Type the symbol you want to see in the results, like $, €, or £. Up to 3 characters.
International Surcharge: Check this box to add 1.50% for cross-border payments.
Calculate and Reset: Click Calculate to see your results, charts, and fee comparisons. Click Reset to start over with the default settings.
Understanding PayPal Fees
PayPal charges a fee when you get paid for goods, services, or donations. The fee has two parts: a percentage of the payment and a small fixed fee. For example, a common U.S. rate is 3.49% + $0.49. On a $100 payment, that means $3.49 plus $0.49, or $3.98 total. The seller gets $96.02.
Who Pays the PayPal Fee
The person receiving the money pays the fee. PayPal takes it out before the money lands in the account. If you want a set amount to arrive, you must ask the sender to pay more. That extra math is called "grossing up." Sending money to friends and family from a bank account or PayPal balance is usually free, but sending it with a credit card is not.
Why Fees Change
PayPal does not use one flat rate. The fee depends on how the money moves:
- Checkout, invoices, and Venmo: 3.49% + $0.49
- Credit and debit cards: 2.99% + $0.49
- Goods and services or donations: 2.89% + $0.49
- Micropayments (small sales): 4.99% + $0.09
- QR code payments: 1.9% + $0.10 over $10, or 2.4% + $0.05 for $10 and under
- In-person card readers (Zettle): 2.29% + $0.09
- Registered charities: 1.99% + $0.49
International Payments
Cross-border payments cost more. International rates start around 4.39% and can reach 6.49% for micropayments. PayPal may also add a 1.50% surcharge and a currency conversion markup when the buyer pays in a different currency. Sellers who ship worldwide should plan for these extra costs.
The Fixed Fee Hurts Small Payments
The fixed fee is the same no matter the size of the sale. On a $5 payment, a $0.49 fee is almost 10% of the total. On a $500 payment, the same $0.49 is tiny. So the effective rate (the true percentage you lose) is much higher on small sales. Sellers with many low-price items should look at the micropayments plan, which trades a higher percentage for a much smaller fixed fee.
Ways to Lower Your PayPal Costs
- Use QR codes or in-person readers when you can, since those rates are lower.
- Set a minimum order value so the fixed fee is spread over a bigger sale.
- Ask buyers to pay in your own currency to skip conversion costs.
- Nonprofits should apply for the charity rate to save about 1.5% per gift.
- Build the fee into your price instead of adding it as a surprise line item.
PayPal fees change over time and can differ by country and account type. Always check your PayPal fee page before you set prices.