Money calculators · Updated September 3, 2026
PayPal Fee Calculator
Enter an amount to see PayPal's fee and what you keep, or flip it around and find the price that leaves you with exactly what you want.
| You receive | $96.02 |
| To receive $100.00 net, charge | $104.12 |
| Fee on that charge | $4.12 |
Rates are PayPal's published US merchant rates at the date of our last review; check the source link if PayPal has changed them.
How PayPal fees are calculated
fee = amount × percentage + fixed fee you receive = amount − fee to net X = (X + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − percentage)
The percentage applies to the whole payment and the fixed fee is charged once per transaction, which is why small payments lose a larger share to fees; micropayment pricing (4.99% + $0.09) is cheaper below about $10.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PayPal charge per transaction?
For US merchants receiving goods-and-services payments through PayPal checkout the standard rate is 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction; standard credit and debit card payments are 2.99% + $0.49; micropayments 4.99% + $0.09; QR code payments over $10 are 1.90% + $0.10. International commercial transactions add 1.50%. Rates come from PayPal's merchant fee page and change occasionally, so the calculator lets you enter a custom rate.
What is the PayPal fee on $100?
At 3.49% + $0.49 the fee on $100 is $3.98, so you receive $96.02. To net exactly $100 you would need to charge $104.12.
How do I calculate how much to charge to receive a set amount?
charge = (amount you want + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − percentage fee). The fixed fee is added first because it is charged on the total, then the percentage is grossed up.
Are personal (friends and family) payments free?
Sending money to friends and family from a PayPal balance or linked bank account in the US is free; funding it with a card costs 2.9% + a fixed fee, paid by the sender. Goods-and-services payments always carry the merchant fee and come with purchase protection.
Is the PayPal fee tax-deductible?
For a business, yes: payment processing fees are an ordinary business expense. PayPal also reports gross payments on Form 1099-K, so the fees must be deducted separately on your return.
Related calculators
Sources and updates
Figures are for tax year 2026 and were checked against the sources below on . Rates change every January; we review every data file at the start of each year and whenever a state announces a mid-year change.
- PayPal, Merchant fees (United States)
- PayPal, Consumer fees (United States)
- IRS, Understanding your Form 1099-K
This calculator gives estimates for information only and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Your employer's payroll system, local taxes, benefits and year-to-date wages can change the exact amounts on your pay stub. See how we calculate.