CardFeeCalc

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Guide

What to charge so you keep $X after fees

Payment processors take a percent plus a fixed fee on each charge. To keep a specific net, divide by (1 − rate) only after adding the fixed fee back in. This matches the reverse tools on /pricing-after-fees and the Stripe, Square, and PayPal reverse calculators.

US payment tools checked October 6, 2026; PayPal October 6, 2026; Stripe UK October 6, 2026.

How the fee is calculated

Gross charge ≈ (net + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − percent rate)

Round the charge up to the next cent so forward fees do not undershoot your net. CardFeeCalc reverse calculators do this automatically.

Worked examples (target net $100 / £100)

Stripe US — keep $100.00
Charge $103.30 · fee on that charge $3.30 · net $100.00

PayPal Checkout — keep $100.00
Charge $104.13 · fee $4.12 · net $100.01 (3.49% + $0.49)

Stripe UK standard — keep £100.00
Charge £101.73 · fee £1.73 · net £100.00 (1.5% + 20p)

Why a simple markup fails

Adding “3%” on top of your net ignores the fixed fee and rounding. A $100.00 net on Stripe is not $103.00—it is $103.30 because the $0.30 applies to the larger gross charge.

Related calculators

More guides

FAQ

Are my numbers sent to a server?
No. The math runs in your browser and nothing typed is uploaded or stored.
What is the gross-up formula for percent plus fixed fees?
Charge ≈ (net + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − percent rate). Round up to the cent so forward fees do not leave you below your target net.
Does this work for Stripe UK in pounds?
Yes—the same shape applies with UK published rates, for example 1.5% + 20p on standard UK cards. Use the Stripe UK reverse calculator for GBP.
Which PayPal rate should I use for gross-up?
Most online sellers use PayPal Checkout at 3.49% + $0.49. Pick the matching payment type on the PayPal reverse calculator if you use Goods & Services or other published rates.