If you must receive $500 after card fees, charging $500 leaves you short because the percentage applies to the larger charge. Adding the fixed fee to the net and dividing by one minus the percentage fee gives the exact amount to charge.
To net $500 after 2.9% plus $0.30, charge $515.24, which pays $15.24 in fees.
The example
Three worked examples. Change any yellow input in the practice workbook and the results recalculate.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case | Net wanted | Fee rate | Fixed fee | Charge | Fee paid |
| 2 | Invoice | $500 | 2.9% | $0.30 | $515.24 | $15.24 |
| 3 | Deposit | $1,200 | 2.9% | $0.30 | $1,236.15 | $36.15 |
| 4 | Small | $75 | 3.5% | $0.10 | $77.82 | $2.82 |
The formula
Here is the formula, built directly from the inputs:
How it works
Here is the logic, one piece at a time:
B2+D2is the net plus the fixed fee.1-C2is the share you keep.- Dividing grosses the charge up.
E2-B2shows total fees.
Keep every number in its own input cell so the formula never needs editing.
Try it: interactive demo
Enter the values below.
Variations
Surcharge percent
Equivalent surcharge.
Check net
Net after fees.
Pitfalls & errors
Do not simply multiply by 1+rate; that leaves you short.
Some states and card brands limit surcharges.
Run the check column to confirm the net.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Why divide?
Is it legal everywhere?
Stop fighting formulas. Learn them in a day.
This recipe is one of hundreds of real-world formulas we teach. Our Excel Formulas & Functions class covers lookups, logic, text, and dynamic arrays hands-on — live in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class