How to Use This PayPal Fee Calculator (2026 Rates)
Calculate your true profit after PayPal fees in seconds—this calculator uses the latest 2026 PayPal fee structure to help you choose the right payment type for your business.
Enter Your Sale Price
The total amount your customer will pay, including any shipping you charge.
Add Your Product Cost
Your cost of goods, materials, or service delivery expenses.
Select Your Payment Type
Choose Standard, PayPal Checkout, QR Code, or Micropayments based on how you accept payments.
Toggle International if Applicable
Enable this if your buyer is outside your country—adds 1.5% cross-border fee.
Pro Tip: For transactions under $10, try the Micropayments rate—the lower $0.09 flat fee often beats the standard $0.49.
PayPal Payment Types: Which One Are You Using?
Unlike Stripe's simple 2.9% + $0.30 for everything, PayPal charges different rates depending on how you accept payments. Choosing the wrong type can cost you significantly more per transaction. Whether you're selling on Etsy, eBay, or your own Shopify store, understanding these rates is crucial.
| Payment Type | Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Commercial | 2.99% + $0.49 | Invoices, payment requests, most online sales |
| PayPal Checkout | 3.49% + $0.49 | PayPal button on your website |
| QR Code | 2.29% + $0.09 | In-person sales, markets, events |
| Micropayments | 4.99% + $0.09 | Digital goods, sales under $10 |
The Hidden Cost of PayPal Checkout
PayPal Business Account Fees vs Personal Account
Many sellers wonder whether to upgrade from a personal PayPal account to a business account. Here's what changes—and what stays the same.
Personal Account
- Same transaction fees (2.99% + $0.49)
- Limited to 1 user
- Basic sales reporting
- Cannot accept payments under business name
- No PayPal Checkout integration
Business Account
- Same transaction fees (2.99% + $0.49)
- Multi-user access with permissions
- Advanced analytics & reporting
- Accept payments as your business
- API access & checkout integration
Business Account Is Free
Goods & Services vs Friends & Family: The Seller's Dilemma
Every PayPal seller has been asked: "Can you send me a Friends & Family request so there's no fee?" Here's why you should almost always refuse.
Goods & Services
- Buyer protection included
- Seller protection on eligible sales
- Dispute resolution available
- Professional transaction record
- Fees: 2.99% + $0.49
Friends & Family
- Zero buyer protection
- Zero seller protection
- No dispute resolution
- Can trigger account limitations
- Fees: Free (bank) or 2.99% (card)
Using Friends & Family for Business Sales
PayPal Goods & Services Protection: What's Actually Covered
PayPal's buyer and seller protection is one of the main reasons to accept the 2.99% fee. Here's what's protected:
Buyer Protection
Seller Protection
Dispute Resolution
Chargeback Defense
The only exception: If you're genuinely selling to a friend or family member and don't need any protection, Friends & Family is fine. For everyone else, use Goods & Services.
Micropayments: When the $0.09 Flat Fee Wins
PayPal's micropayments rate (4.99% + $0.09) seems worse than standard (2.99% + $0.49) at first glance. But for small transactions, that $0.40 difference in flat fees matters more than the percentage.
The Micropayments Crossover Point
For sales under $20, micropayments is cheaper. For sales over $20, standard is cheaper.
Crossover = ($0.49 - $0.09) / (4.99% - 2.99%) = $20$5 Digital Download
Selling a $5 PDF or digital asset
Micropayments Must Be Enabled
QR Code Payments: PayPal's Best-Kept Secret
At 2.29% + $0.09, PayPal QR codes offer the lowest fees of any PayPal payment method—even lower than Stripe's card rates. This makes them ideal for in-person sales at markets, events, or retail locations.
$50 Market Sale
Selling a handmade item at a craft market
- 1
Display your QR code
Print it, display on phone, or show on a tablet at checkout. - 2
Customer scans with PayPal app
They enter the amount and confirm payment. - 3
You receive instant notification
Funds are in your PayPal balance immediately.
The catch? Both you and the buyer need PayPal accounts. For maximum flexibility at in-person events, pair QR codes with a card reader for customers without PayPal.
PayPal Invoice Fees for Freelancers & Service Providers
Freelancers, consultants, and service providers often use PayPal invoices to bill clients. Here's how the fees break down for invoice payments in 2026.
| Invoice Type | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Invoice | 2.99% + $0.49 | Most freelance/service payments |
| Invoice (PayPal Checkout) | 3.49% + $0.49 | When client pays via PayPal button |
| International Invoice | 2.99% + $0.49 + 1.5% | Cross-border client payments |
$1,500 Freelance Invoice
US-based consultant invoicing a domestic client
Invoice Pro Tip for Freelancers
When to Choose PayPal Over Stripe
Both are excellent payment processors, but they serve different needs. Here's when PayPal makes more sense:
Buyer Trust & Protection
International Sellers
No Website Needed
In-Person QR Sales
When Stripe Wins
For eBay Sellers: Life After Managed Payments
If you're an eBay seller who used to receive PayPal payments, you've been moved to eBay Managed Payments. But PayPal still matters for your business—here's how.
eBay Managed Payments vs PayPal Direct
eBay now processes payments directly, taking their fee plus payment processing. You can't accept PayPal on eBay anymore. However, for sales outside eBay—your own website, social media, local sales—PayPal remains valuable.
| Channel | Payment Method | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| eBay (Managed Payments) | eBay handles everything | 12.9% + $0.30 (category dependent) |
| Your Website | PayPal Checkout | 3.49% + $0.49 |
| Local/Social Sales | PayPal Invoice | 2.99% + $0.49 |
| In-Person | PayPal QR Code | 2.29% + $0.09 |
Diversify Beyond eBay
International Fees: PayPal's Expensive Currency Conversion
PayPal's international fees are where things get expensive. Unlike Stripe's 1% currency conversion, PayPal charges 3-4% above the mid-market exchange rate.
The Hidden 4% Currency Tax
How to Minimize International Fees
- 1
Accept Multiple Currencies
Hold balances in EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD. Convert manually when rates are favorable instead of auto-converting. - 2
Use Wise (TransferWise) for Conversion
Transfer foreign currency to Wise, convert at mid-market rate (0.5% fee), then withdraw. Saves 2-3%. - 3
Price in Your Home Currency
Let buyers handle conversion on their end through their bank or PayPal. You receive exact amounts.
$500 Sale from UK Customer
UK buyer pays £400 (~$500 USD), you receive USD
For comparison, Stripe would charge approximately 4.4% + $0.30 for the same transaction ($22.30). If you do significant international business, Stripe or a multi-currency solution may save you thousands annually. Make sure to factor these fees into your profit margin calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculate Your PayPal Fees Now (2026 Rates)
Enter your transaction details above to see your exact fees, net profit, and profit margin with the latest 2026 PayPal rates.