Calculator
Advanced fee settings
The default rates reflect standard US commercial transactions. Micropayments, charitable donations, and some industries use different rates.
How PayPal fees work
PayPal charges a percentage-based transaction fee plus a fixed fee per transaction. For commercial transactions in the US, this is typically 2.99% + $0.49. Fees vary by country, currency, and transaction type. Personal transfers between friends and family in the same country are usually free when funded by bank balance or bank account.
Common PayPal fees (2026)
| Region | Commercial rate |
|---|---|
| United States | 2.99% + $0.49 |
| Canada | 2.99% + CAD 0.49 |
| United Kingdom | 2.99% + £0.39 |
| Eurozone | 2.99% + €0.39 |
| Australia | 2.99% + A$0.49 |
| Cross-border | 4.99% + fixed fee |
Micropayments (transactions under $10) use a different rate: 4.99% + $0.09 in the US. Charitable donations and certain industries also have special rates.
The formulas
- Fee (receiving): (Amount × fee%) + fixed fee
- Net received: Amount − fee
- Total sent (sending): Amount + fee
- Reverse calculation: Desired net ÷ (1 − fee%) − fixed fee adjustment
How to use this calculator
- Choose a mode: Receiving Money, Sending Money, or Target Net Amount.
- Enter the amount.
- Select your country or region to apply the correct fee rate.
- For custom rates, expand Advanced settings and enter your fee percentage and fixed fee.
- Click "Calculate" to see the fee breakdown and net amount.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PayPal take per transaction?
For a standard US commercial transaction of $100, PayPal takes approximately $3.48 (2.99% of $100 = $2.99, plus $0.49 fixed). You receive $96.52. For cross-border transactions, the rate is higher — around $5.48 for the same amount.
Is PayPal free for friends and family?
Yes, in most cases. When you send money to friends or family in the same country using your PayPal balance or a linked bank account, there is no fee. Credit card and debit card funding still incur a fee. Cross-border friends and family transfers also incur fees.
How do I avoid PayPal fees when receiving money?
You can't eliminate commercial transaction fees, but you can reduce them by: (1) using PayPal's micropayment rate for small transactions, (2) accepting payment in the same currency as your account to avoid conversion fees, and (3) passing the fee to the buyer by adding it to your price.
How do I calculate how much to charge to receive a target amount?
Use the Target Net Amount mode. The formula is: Gross needed = (Target net + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − fee%). For example, to receive $100 net with a 2.99% + $0.49 fee: ($100 + $0.49) ÷ 0.9701 = $103.60.
Does PayPal charge a currency conversion fee?
Yes. If you receive money in a currency different from your account's primary currency, PayPal charges a currency conversion fee of approximately 3-4% above the wholesale exchange rate. This is separate from the transaction fee.
More fee calculators
Try our Etsy Fee Calculator and eBay Fee Calculator, or check back for Amazon FBA and Depop fee calculators.