How to use the Stripe Fees
- Enter the charge amount your customer pays.
- Enter the percentage and fixed fee from your current pricing.
- Read the fee and the net payout.
- Use reverse mode to find the gross needed to net a target amount.
How the calculation works
The fee is percentage × amount + fixed component. Because the fixed part does not scale, the effective rate is punishing on small transactions: at 2.9% plus 0.30, a 3.00 charge loses 13% while a 300 charge loses 3%. That is the arithmetic behind minimum order values, bundling and subscription pricing over per-item micro-charges.
Reversing the calculation is not simply adding the fee, because the fee applies to the higher gross amount too. To net a target N you need (N + fixed) / (1 − rate). Additional charges often apply on top: currency conversion, cross-border cards, chargeback fees and instant payout fees, each of which changes the real cost of a sale.
Fee = amount × rate + fixed ; Gross to net a target = (target + fixed) / (1 − rate)Source: Standard card-processing pricing structure. VERIFY current percentage and fixed fees against your provider's published pricing for your country and card mix.
Worked example
A 47.50 order processed at 2.9% plus 0.30, and separately the gross needed to net exactly 100.
- Fee = 47.50 × 0.029 + 0.30 = 1.3775 + 0.30 = 1.68.
- Net payout = 47.50 − 1.68 = 45.82, an effective rate of 3.53%.
- To net 100: (100 + 0.30) / (1 − 0.029) = 100.30 / 0.971 = 103.29.
The 47.50 order nets 45.82. To receive exactly 100, charge 103.29.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the effective rate higher than the quoted percentage?+
The fixed per-transaction component is included. On small charges that fixed amount dominates, which is why a 2.9% + 0.30 structure can cost over 10% of a small sale.
Can I pass the fee on to customers?+
Surcharging card payments is restricted or banned in many jurisdictions and by some card scheme rules. Building the cost into your prices is generally the safer route — check local rules before adding a surcharge.
What extra fees should I expect?+
Currency conversion, cross-border card fees, chargeback and dispute fees, instant payout fees and sometimes higher rates for manually keyed or subscription payments. Read your provider's full schedule rather than the headline rate.
Are fees refunded when I refund a customer?+
Usually not the fixed portion, and often not the percentage either. That makes a refunded order a net loss, which is worth reflecting in your margin planning.
Last reviewed August 31, 2026. We review this page whenever the underlying formula, tax year, published rate or standard changes.