International Exchange Rate & Fee Calculator
Conversion Results
Gross Received:
Service Fee Cost:
Net Amount Received:
Understanding International Exchange Rates
Calculating the true cost of an international money transfer requires more than just looking at the base exchange rate. Banks and transfer services often apply "hidden" costs through a spread on the mid-market rate or via upfront service fees.
How Exchange Rates are Calculated
The standard formula for converting currency is simple: Amount × Exchange Rate = Result. However, because markets fluctuate constantly, the rate you see on Google (the mid-market rate) is rarely the rate you receive as a retail customer.
Hidden Costs: The "Spread" vs. The Fee
- Service Fee: A transparent percentage or flat fee charged for the transaction.
- The Spread: The difference between the wholesale market rate and the rate offered to you. If the market rate is 1.10 but you are offered 1.08, that 2% difference is an implicit cost.
Example Calculation
Suppose you are sending $1,000 USD to Europe. The current exchange rate is 0.92 EUR per 1 USD, and your bank charges a 1.5% commission.
- Gross Conversion: 1,000 × 0.92 = 920.00 EUR
- Fee Calculation: 920.00 × 0.015 = 13.80 EUR
- Net Received: 920.00 – 13.80 = 906.20 EUR
Key Terms to Know
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Base Currency | The currency you currently hold (the "From" currency). |
| Quote Currency | The currency you want to acquire (the "To" currency). | }
| Mid-Market Rate | The midpoint between the buy and sell prices of two currencies. |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Actual rates provided by financial institutions may vary based on market volatility and internal policies.