Enter your sale amount. See PayPal's exact cut, what you keep, and what to charge to hit your target. Free, no sign-up, runs entirely in your browser.
Calculate your fees
$
PayPal fee
$0.00
You receive
$0.00
Effective rate
0%
Reverse: I want to receive…
Enter the net amount you want in your pocket. We'll tell you what to charge.
$
Charge your buyer
$0.00
PayPal will take
$0.00
Uses the same transaction type selected above.
2026 US rates used
Transaction type
Rate
Standard (PayPal Checkout, Goods & Services)
3.49% + $0.49
Credit / debit card payments
2.99% + $0.49
Micropayments (small tickets)
5.00% + $0.05
International add-on
+1.50% on top
Source: paypal.com — US merchant fees. Last verified: October 4, 2026. PayPal changes fees periodically — always confirm on their official page before relying on these numbers for accounting.
Frequently asked questions
How is the PayPal fee calculated?
PayPal takes a percentage of the total sale plus a fixed fee per transaction. For a standard US sale: fee = sale × 3.49% + $0.49. You keep the rest. International sales add another 1.50%.
When are micropayments worth it?
Micropayments charge a higher percentage (5.00%) but a much smaller fixed fee ($0.05 vs $0.49). They win on small transactions — roughly under $22 per sale. Above that, the standard rate is cheaper. Try both in the calculator and compare.
Does PayPal refund the fee if I refund a buyer?
In most cases, no — PayPal keeps the original transaction fee when you issue a refund. Factor this into your return policy and pricing.
What's the difference between Goods & Services and Friends & Family?
Goods & Services is for commercial sales and carries the seller fees above (with buyer/seller protection). Friends & Family is for personal transfers and is generally free from a bank/balance — but using it for business violates PayPal's terms.
How can I reduce PayPal fees?
Use micropayments pricing for small-ticket sales, avoid unnecessary international transactions when possible, and consider PayPal's merchant rates if your volume is high. The reverse calculator above helps you pass the exact fee through to your pricing.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only, based on PayPal's published US commercial rates. It is not financial advice. Actual fees depend on your account type, transaction details, and PayPal's current terms.