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How eBay Fees Work

7 min read · Updated September 26, 2026 · by Thomas M, Registered Investment Adviser (South Carolina)

How eBay Fees Work – feature image

eBay’s fees are simple in principle — a percentage of the sale plus a small fixed fee — but they apply to more than the item price, and rates vary by category. Understanding them is the difference between a profitable listing and one that quietly loses money. This guide explains the structure using the fee schedule for US sellers published in October 2026; always confirm current rates on ebay.com.

The final value fee

For most categories eBay charges 13.6% of the total sale amount up to $7,500 per item, and 2.35% on the part above $7,500. The “total sale amount” is what the buyer pays: item price plus shipping plus sales tax in most cases. Some categories differ: books, movies and music are 15.3%; coins and trading cards 13.25%; handbags and jewelry are 15% up to a threshold and 9% above; athletic shoes are 8% when the sale is $150 or more.

The per-order fee

On top of the percentage, eBay adds $0.30 per order when the total is $10 or less and $0.40 above $10 (athletic shoes of $150+ are exempt). On a $100 item with no shipping or tax: 13.6% = $13.60 plus $0.40 = $14.00. On a $5 sale the same fixed fee is a large share.

Fees on shipping, tax, ads and international sales

  • Shipping and tax: the percentage applies to them too, so free shipping does not avoid fees on the shipping you build into the price.
  • Promoted listings: an optional ad fee (a percentage you choose) applies when a sale comes through an ad.
  • International: a 1.65% fee applies to eligible sales from US-registered sellers to buyers abroad when not using eBay International Shipping.

From fees to profit

Profit = price + shipping − eBay fees − item cost − your shipping cost. With a $40 item cost and $8 of shipping, a $100 sale leaves $38.00. To make a $20 profit you need to charge about $79.17, and to merely break even $56.02. The eBay fee calculator works this out for any category and shows the price for a target profit.

Staying on top of changes

eBay revises fees periodically, and store subscriptions or programmes can change your rates. Re-check the official fee page at least once or twice a year, and when your category or volume changes. Also remember taxes: seller income may be taxable, and eBay or you may need to report it depending on your country. Use the sales tax calculator for the tax side. This guide is educational, not tax or business advice.

Practice questions

Test yourself, then tap to check. Answers are calculated by the tools linked below.

  1. A $250 item in most categories with $12 shipping charged, cost to you $120 and shipping cost $12. What are the fees and profit?
    Show answer

    Estimated profit: $93.97 · Total eBay fees: $36.03 · Break-even price (profit = 0): $141.24

  2. What is 35% of 240?
    Show answer

    35% of 240: 84

  3. A $64.90 receipt includes 9% sales tax. What was the price before tax?
    Show answer

    Price before tax (net): $59.54 · Sales tax included: $5.36

Frequently asked questions

How much does eBay charge to sell an item?

For most US categories 13.6% of the total sale amount (up to $7,500) plus $0.30 or $0.40 per order, with different rates in some categories.

Does eBay charge fees on shipping?

Yes, the final value fee applies to the total the buyer pays, including shipping and sales tax.

What is the eBay per-order fee?

$0.30 on orders of $10 or less and $0.40 above $10 for US sellers, with category exceptions.

How do I price an item to make a profit?

Start from your item and shipping cost, add the fees, and solve for the price that leaves your target profit. The calculator does this.

Try it yourself

eBay Fee CalculatorWork out eBay final value fees, per-order fees, ad fees and your real profit — and the price you need to hit a profit target.Percentage CalculatorFind a percent of a number, percent change, and increases or decreases.Sales Tax CalculatorAdd sales tax to a price, take it out of a total, or find the tax rate from two prices.ROI CalculatorWork out return on investment, net profit and the annualised return for any investment.

Keep learning

How to Calculate Percentages7 min readHow to Calculate a Discount5 min readHow to Calculate Sales Tax, VAT and GST6 min read

Reviewed by Thomas M, Registered Investment Adviser (South Carolina), who launched his own financial advisory firm in 2010. Spot a mistake? Tell us. See our editorial policy. Finance content is educational and not financial advice; see the disclaimer.