PayPal Fee Calculator

Calculate PayPal transaction fees to determine how much you'll receive or what amount to request for exact payment.

You Receive
$96.81
Original Amount $100.00
PayPal Fee $3.19
You Receive $96.81

How to Use the PayPal Fee Calculator

This calculator helps you understand PayPal transaction fees in two modes: Receiving Money calculates how much you'll receive after fees, while Want Exact Amount tells you how much to charge so you receive exactly what you need after PayPal takes their fees.

  1. Select your calculation mode: Receiving Money or Want Exact Amount
  2. Enter the transaction amount (received amount or desired net amount)
  3. Choose your transaction type (Standard, Micropayment, or Charity)
  4. Enable International Transaction if sending/receiving from a different country
  5. View instant results showing fees and final amounts

PayPal Fee Structures

Standard Domestic Transactions:

Fee = (Amount × 2.9%) + $0.30 You Receive = Amount - Fee

International Transactions:

Fee = (Amount × 4.4%) + $0.30 International adds +1.5% to the standard rate

Micropayments (best for transactions under $10):

Fee = (Amount × 5%) + $0.05

For example, receiving $100 with standard fees: $100 - ($2.90 + $0.30) = $96.80 net. To receive exactly $100, you would need to request $103.30.

Common PayPal Fee Examples

  • $50 Standard: Fee $1.75 → Receive $48.25
  • $100 Standard: Fee $3.19 → Receive $96.81
  • $500 Standard: Fee $14.80 → Receive $485.20
  • $5 Micropayment: Fee $0.30 → Receive $4.70
  • $100 International: Fee $4.69 → Receive $95.31
  • $100 Charity: Fee $2.50 → Receive $97.50

Understanding PayPal Fees

PayPal charges transaction fees for processing payments, which vary based on transaction type, amount, and location. The standard domestic fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. This fee structure applies to most business transactions, invoices, and online payments received through PayPal.

For sellers receiving international payments, PayPal adds an additional 1.5% fee on top of the standard rate, bringing the total to 4.4% + $0.30. Currency conversion may also apply additional fees if the payment is in a different currency than your account.

Micropayment pricing (5% + $0.05) is advantageous for transactions typically under $10-12. For a $5 transaction, the micropayment fee is $0.30 compared to $0.45 with standard pricing. You must enable this pricing structure through your PayPal account settings.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply for reduced charity rates of 2.2% + $0.30, offering significant savings for donation processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

PayPal charges 2.9% + $0.30 for standard domestic transactions. International transactions cost 4.4% + $0.30. Micropayment pricing is 5% + $0.05 for smaller transactions. Nonprofit organizations can access reduced rates of 2.2% + $0.30.
Use the "Want Exact Amount" mode. Enter your desired net amount, and the calculator shows how much to request. For example, to receive exactly $100 after standard fees, you need to charge $103.30. The formula is: (Desired Amount + Fixed Fee) / (1 - Percentage).
Micropayment pricing (5% + $0.05) is beneficial for transactions under approximately $10-12. Below this threshold, the lower fixed fee ($0.05 vs $0.30) outweighs the higher percentage. You must enable micropayment pricing in your PayPal account settings.
Yes, PayPal transaction fees are generally tax-deductible business expenses. Keep records of all fees paid through your PayPal statements. Consult with a tax professional for guidance specific to your business structure and location.
Domestic transactions (within the same country) are charged 2.9% + $0.30. International transactions add 1.5% for a total of 4.4% + $0.30. Additional currency conversion fees may apply if the sender pays in a different currency than your account.
PayPal's User Agreement prohibits passing fees directly to buyers as a separate surcharge. However, you can build fees into your product pricing or use the "Want Exact Amount" calculator to determine prices that account for fees while receiving your target amount.
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the US can apply for PayPal's reduced rate of 2.2% + $0.30 through the PayPal Giving Fund or by verifying nonprofit status in their PayPal account. This can save significant amounts on donation processing.
Personal payments between friends and family funded by PayPal balance or bank account are free. However, payments funded by credit/debit cards or for goods and services always incur fees. Business accounts are charged fees on all incoming payments.