You sell a $40 item on eBay and the buyer pays $6 for shipping. The item cost you $15 and the postage costs you $6. eBay takes $6.66, and you keep $18.34. That's a 39.9% margin on the $46 the buyer paid.
One detail in that sum catches people out. eBay worked its fee out on $46, not on $40. Here is how eBay's fees fit together.
These are US rates from eBay's own selling fees page, which I read on 20 October 2026. The page shows no effective date, so check it again before you rely on a rate.
What is the main fee?
For most categories it's the final value fee, charged when the item sells:
- 13.6% of the total sale amount, up to $7,500 per item.
- 2.35% on any part of the sale over $7,500.
- Plus a per-order fee: $0.30 for orders of $10 or less, $0.40 for orders over $10.
eBay's page says you don't have to worry about third-party payment processing fees. The final value fee covers it, and the page lists no separate payment fee for US sellers.
What is the fee worked out on?
The total amount of the sale. eBay's page says that includes the item price, any handling charges, shipping you collect from the buyer, and sales tax.
In the example, the fee is 13.6% of $46, which is $6.256, plus $0.40. That makes $6.66. If eBay had charged on the $40 item alone, it would be $5.84. The difference is 82 cents, and it comes from the shipping you collected.
So when you plan a price, don't ignore shipping income. The calculator below treats the whole $46 as the price, which matches how eBay charges.
What does it cost to list?
For most categories, eBay's page says the first 250 listings each month are free, then $0.35 per listing. Stores get more free listings. The insertion fee isn't refunded if the item doesn't sell.
Do all categories pay the same?
No. The 13.6% is for most categories. Here are some of the exceptions on the same page:
| Category | Final value fee |
|---|---|
| Most categories | 13.6% up to $7,500, then 2.35% |
| Books, movies and music | 15.3% up to $7,500, then 2.35% |
| Trading cards and collectibles | 13.25% up to $7,500, then 2.35% |
| Women's bags and handbags | 15% if the sale is $2,000 or less, 9% if it is over |
| Jewelry (not watches) | 15% if the sale is $5,000 or less, 9% if it is over |
| Guitars and basses | 6.7% up to $7,500, then 2.35% |
| Athletic shoes at $150 or more | 8%, with no per-order fee |
The shoe row shows how much a category can matter. On a $160 pair, 8% is $12.80. At the standard rate it would be $22.16. I haven't listed every category, so find yours on eBay's page.
What other fees can show up?
- International fee: 1.65% of the sale if the buyer's address is outside the US and you don't use eBay International Shipping.
- Currency conversion: 3.25% for US-registered sellers when it applies.
- Performance surcharges: if your account is rated Below Standard, 6% extra on the final value fee the next month, and 5% extra if your "not as described" rate is Very High.
- Disputes: $20 if you're found responsible.
- Promoted listings and Stores: optional. The page gives no rates for them.
How do I run my own numbers?
- Open the multi-platform calculator and choose the eBay preset, which loads 13.6% and $0.40.
- Enter the full amount the buyer pays, shipping included, as the price.
- Put your item cost in the cost box and your postage in the shipping box.
- Change the percentage if your category differs.
If you're deciding what price to charge, my guide on pricing for a 30% margin uses the same formula.
Who is writing this?
I'm Saqib, the developer behind PayoutCalc. I haven't sold on eBay, so I stick to what eBay publishes and to arithmetic you can check. If a rate has changed, tell me and I'll fix it.