Is the PayPal fee calculator free?
Yes. It is completely free to use, with no signup, no account, and no paywall.
How accurate are the results?
The calculator uses the standard formulas for this kind of math, but real-world results can differ once fees, rounding, rate changes, and provider-specific rules come into play. Treat the output as a planning estimate, not a quote.
Does it stay local?
Yes. The numbers you enter are processed entirely in your browser and never leave your device.
How much do I need to charge to receive exactly 100?
Use (target + fixed) / (1 - percent as a decimal). At 2.9% plus 0.30, that is 100.30 / 0.971 = 103.30. Note it is not 100 plus the 3.20 fee, because the percentage applies to the larger invoice too. The tool does not do this gross-up for you.
Does it cover currency conversion fees?
No, and that is often the biggest line. PayPal generally charges a cross-border fee on top of the base percentage and applies a conversion spread of several percent above the market rate. To approximate it, raise the percent field until it covers both.
Can I use it for Stripe or Square?
Yes. The percent plus fixed model is how nearly every card processor prices. Stripe's standard US rate is 2.9% plus 0.30, which happens to be the default. Change the two fields to whatever your processor charges.
Are the fees taken from the sender or the receiver?
From the receiver, in standard commercial transactions. The tool models it that way: it deducts the fee from the Amount received and shows what lands in your balance. If you want the sender to bear it, you have to invoice the grossed-up figure.
Does it handle the micropayments rate?
Only if you enter it. PayPal's micropayments pricing uses a higher percentage and a lower fixed fee, which is cheaper on small transactions. Both fields are editable, so type in whatever tier you are on.