PayPal Fee Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the PayPal fees for a transaction or to figure out how much to send to ensure a specific net amount is received after fees.
Enter the gross amount you are sending/receiving, or the net amount you wish to receive.
Typical US domestic Goods & Services fee is 2.9%.
Typical US domestic Goods & Services fixed fee is $0.30.
Understanding PayPal Fees
PayPal is a widely used online payment system that facilitates transactions between individuals and businesses. While it offers convenience and security, it also charges fees for certain types of transactions. These fees are crucial to understand, especially for sellers, freelancers, or anyone regularly receiving payments through the platform, as they directly impact the net amount received.
How PayPal Fees Are Structured
PayPal fees typically consist of two main components:
- Percentage Fee: A percentage of the transaction amount. This varies based on factors like the transaction type (e.g., Goods & Services vs. Friends & Family), the sender's and receiver's countries, and whether it's a domestic or international payment. For instance, a common US domestic Goods & Services fee is 2.9%.
- Fixed Fee: A fixed amount added to the percentage fee. This also varies by currency and country. For US domestic Goods & Services transactions, a common fixed fee is $0.30.
So, the general formula for calculating PayPal fees is: (Transaction Amount × Percentage Fee) + Fixed Fee.
Why Do PayPal Fees Exist?
PayPal charges fees to cover the costs associated with processing payments, maintaining its secure platform, fraud prevention, customer support, and other operational expenses. These fees allow PayPal to offer its services globally and ensure the reliability of its payment network.
Common Scenarios for Fees
- Goods & Services Payments: When you receive money for selling an item or providing a service, PayPal typically charges fees. This protects both the buyer and seller with PayPal's Purchase Protection program.
- International Payments: Sending or receiving money across borders often incurs higher fees, which may include currency conversion charges in addition to the standard transaction fees.
- Friends & Family Payments: In many regions, sending money to friends and family from your PayPal balance or linked bank account is free. However, if you use a credit card or debit card for Friends & Family payments, the sender might incur a fee. The receiver typically does not pay fees for Friends & Family payments.
Using the PayPal Fee Calculator
Our calculator helps you in two primary ways:
- Calculate Fees on a Gross Amount: If you know the total amount being sent (the "Gross Amount"), the calculator will tell you the PayPal fee and the "Net Amount" the receiver will actually get. This is useful for sellers pricing their items or services.
- Calculate Amount to Send for a Net Amount: If you need to receive a specific "Net Amount" after fees, the calculator will tell you the "Gross Amount" that needs to be sent. This is invaluable for freelancers or businesses who need to ensure they receive a target payment.
Examples:
Let's use the common US domestic Goods & Services fees: 2.9% + $0.30.
Example 1: Calculating Fees on a Gross Amount
You sell an item for $100.00 and want to know how much you'll receive.
- Amount: 100.00
- Fee Percentage (%): 2.9
- Fixed Fee: 0.30
- Calculation Type: Calculate fees on this amount (Gross Amount)
Result:
- PayPal Fee: $3.20 (calculated as (100 * 0.029) + 0.30 = 2.90 + 0.30)
- Net Amount Received: $96.80 (calculated as 100 – 3.20)
Example 2: Calculating Amount to Send for a Net Amount
You need to receive exactly $500.00 for a service you provided.
- Amount: 500.00
- Fee Percentage (%): 2.9
- Fixed Fee: 0.30
- Calculation Type: Calculate amount to send to receive this net amount
Result:
- Gross Amount to Send: $515.77 (calculated as (500 + 0.30) / (1 – 0.029))
- PayPal Fee: $15.77 (calculated as 515.77 – 500)
By using this calculator, you can accurately plan your transactions and avoid surprises when dealing with PayPal fees.