How to Calculate eBay Profit Manually (US Formula)
Definition
Calculating your exact eBay profit requires accounting for all costs: item cost, shipping expenses, Final Value Fees (percentage-based), Regulatory Operating Fees, fixed per-order fees, and any promotional listing fees. The formula is: Net Profit = Sold Price + Shipping Charge - (Item Cost + Shipping Cost + Final Value Fees + Regulatory Fees + Fixed Fees).
How It Works
Scope: This guide provides the manual calculation formula for US eBay sales. Last updated: 2026-01-05. Rule: Net Profit = Sold Price + Shipping Charge - (Item Cost + Shipping Cost + Final Value Fees + Regulatory Operating Fee + perOrderFee).
Follow these steps to calculate your exact profit:
- Calculate Total Sale Amount: Add the sold price, shipping charge collected from buyer, and sales tax collected.
- Determine Final Value Fee Rate: Check your category rate (e.g., 13.6% for most categories, 8% for athletic shoes ≥$150).
- Calculate Final Value Fee: Multiply total sale amount by the Final Value Fee rate. Note: Regulatory Operating Fee (0.35%) is included in the base rate.
- Calculate Fixed Fee: Determine if order total is ≤$10.00 ($0.30) or >$10.00 ($0.40). Some categories waive this fee.
- Calculate Total Costs: Add item cost, actual shipping cost you paid, Final Value Fee, and fixed fee.
- Calculate Net Profit: Subtract total costs from total revenue (sold price + shipping charge collected).
Examples
Example 1: Standard Category Sale
- Item sold: $100
- Shipping collected: $10
- Sales tax collected: $8
- Total sale amount: $118
- Item cost: $50
- Shipping cost paid: $8
- Final Value Fee (13.6% of $118): $16.05
- Fixed fee: $0.40
- Total costs: $50 + $8 + $16.05 + $0.40 = $74.45
- Total revenue: $100 + $10 = $110
- Net Profit: $110 - $74.45 = $35.55
Example 2: Athletic Shoes Over $150
- Item sold: $200
- Shipping collected: $15
- Sales tax collected: $16
- Total sale amount: $231
- Item cost: $120
- Shipping cost paid: $12
- Final Value Fee (8% of $231): $18.48
- Fixed fee: Waived
- Total costs: $120 + $12 + $18.48 = $150.48
- Total revenue: $200 + $15 = $215
- Net Profit: $215 - $150.48 = $64.52
Example 3: Store Seller with Lower Rate
- Item sold: $500
- Shipping collected: $20
- Sales tax collected: $40
- Total sale amount: $560
- Item cost: $300
- Shipping cost paid: $18
- Final Value Fee (12.7% Store rate of $560): $71.12
- Fixed fee: $0.40
- Total costs: $300 + $18 + $71.12 + $0.40 = $389.52
- Total revenue: $500 + $20 = $520
- Net Profit: $520 - $389.52 = $130.48
For automated calculations, visit the FeeWise hub or read our eBay US selling fees guide.
FAQ
Q: Do I include sales tax in my profit calculation?
A: Sales tax collected from the buyer is included in the Final Value Fee calculation base, but it's not part of your revenue. Your revenue is sold price + shipping charge collected.
Q: What if I offer free shipping?
A: If you offer free shipping, you still pay the shipping cost, but you don't collect it from the buyer. Your revenue is just the sold price, and your costs include the shipping you paid.
Q: How do I account for the Regulatory Operating Fee?
A: The 0.35% Regulatory Operating Fee is included in the Final Value Fee rates shown (e.g., 13.6% includes 13.25% + 0.35%). You don't need to calculate it separately.
Q: What about Top Rated Seller discounts?
A: If you qualify for Top Rated Seller Plus, apply a 10% discount to the Final Value Fee percentage only. For example, 13.6% becomes 12.24% (13.6% × 0.9).
Q: Should I include listing fees?
A: Yes, if you paid insertion fees or promoted listing fees, include them in your total costs. Most sellers get free listings, but promoted listings have additional costs.
Download
Skip manual calculations and get instant, accurate profit calculations with FeeWise: eBay Profit Calc 2026. Calculate your exact profit including all fees, shipping, and tax for all US listings.