How much should I charge to cover PayPal fees?

Use the reverse fee formula: invoice amount = (target net + fixed fee) / (1 - percentage fee). For example, with a 2.9% fee and $0.30 fixed fee, you need to charge about $103.30 to net $100.

What is a reverse PayPal fee calculator?

A reverse PayPal fee calculator tells you the gross invoice amount needed to receive a target net amount after PayPal deducts its percentage and fixed fee.

Can I add PayPal fees to an invoice?

You can usually price your service to account for processor costs, but check platform rules, payment terms and local laws before adding a separate surcharge.

How much to charge to cover PayPal fees

If you quote $1,000 and PayPal deducts fees, you do not receive $1,000. To receive a target net amount, calculate the gross invoice amount before sending the quote.

Formula: invoice amount = (target net + fixed fee) / (1 - percentage fee).

Reverse PayPal fee formula

invoice = (target_net + fixed_fee) / (1 - fee_percent)

Use the fee percentage as a decimal. For example, 2.9% becomes 0.029. If the fixed fee is $0.30 and you want to net $100, the calculation is:

(100 + 0.30) / (1 - 0.029) = 103.30

Common examples

Target net	Example fee	Approx invoice amount	Use case
$100	2.9% + $0.30	$103.30	Small freelance task
$1,000	2.9% + $0.30	$1,030.18	Standard project milestone
$5,000	2.9% + $0.30	$5,149.64	Monthly retainer or large invoice
$1,000	4.4% + $0.30	$1,046.34	Cross-border example before FX spread

Use the calculator

The examples above are useful, but your real fee may differ by country, account type, card source and currency. Use the calculator for the exact percentage and fixed fee you expect.

Open reverse fee calculator

Invoice wording

Use clear pricing before the client agrees. For example:

Total invoice: $1,030.18 via PayPal, or $1,000 by bank transfer/Wise. This lets the project net $1,000 after processor costs.

When not to add a separate fee

Do not surprise a client after they accept the quote. Do not use business invoices as personal transfers. If a platform or local law restricts separate payment surcharges, include processing costs in your normal project price instead.