Calculator
Currency conversion calculator
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Last updated: .
Enter the exchange rate and fees you’ve been quoted to see how much you’d actually receive, the fee in pounds and the effective rate after fees. There are no live rates here — use the figures from your bank or provider.
Illustrative only, not financial advice. Results depend entirely on the figures you enter. Figures filled in below are labelled “Example figure” — they aren’t live rates, offers or recommendations.
Work out a conversion
Your illustrative results
- Converted before fees
- –
- Fees
- –
- You’d receive
- –
- Effective rate
- –
- Wise quote: you’d receive
- –
- Difference
- –
Amount × quoted rate, ignoring fees.
Percentage fee plus fixed fee, in pounds.
What’s left after fees, converted at the quoted rate.
What you actually get per £1 once fees are included.
From the Wise rate and fee you entered (optional).
Wise figure minus your first quote — positive means more with Wise.
How this calculator works
Providers make money in two ways: a visible fee, and a margin built into the exchange rate. The effective rate captures both, so it’s a fair way to compare quotes for the same amount. Comparing the quoted rate with the mid-market rate (the midpoint between buying and selling rates) shows how big the rate margin is.
Things to check
- Whether the fee is taken from the amount you send or added on top.
- Fees charged by the receiving bank, and how long the transfer takes.
- That the provider is authorised by the FCA, and how your money is protected — see sending money abroad.
- For holiday spending, card fees abroad — see travel money.
The formulas we use
Converted before fees: Converted = Amount × Rate.
Fee (in £): Fee = Amount × Fee rate + fixed fee.
You’d receive: (Amount − Fee) × Rate. Effective rate: ((Amount − Fee) × Rate) ÷ Amount.
The comparison uses the same method with the Wise rate and fee you enter. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.
Comparing with Wise
If you have a quote from Wise, enter its rate and fee above to compare it with your first quote on the same amount. We don’t show live rates — always check the figures on Wise’s own site or app.
Wise is a low-cost way to send money internationally. If you choose to use Wise through our link, we may earn a commission.
Check Wise’s current offer →Some links in this table are referral links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are based on our review methodology, not commission.
FAQ
Why is the effective rate lower than the quoted rate?
Because fees reduce the amount actually converted. The effective rate shows what you get per £1 once fees are included.
Does this show live exchange rates?
No. Enter the rate from your provider’s quote. Rates change constantly.
Is the Wise comparison a recommendation?
No. It just compares two quotes you enter. The cheaper option depends on the amount, currency and timing.
Does this calculator store my figures?
No. Everything is worked out in your browser and nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
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