Ticketmaster Fee Calculator – Estimate Fees and Taxes

Welcome to the Ticketmaster Fee Calculator! This handy tool allows you to estimate the total cost of purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, including all applicable fees. Simply input the face value of the ticket, and the calculator will apply the relevant service fee percentage and any applicable taxes. Gain transparency into the breakdown of fees, helping you make informed decisions before purchasing tickets for your favorite events. Whether it’s concerts, sports events, or theater shows, our Ticketmaster Fee Calculator will give you a clear picture of the total cost before you hit that “buy” button.

Ticketmaster Fee Calculator

Ticketmaster Fee Calculator



What is a Ticketmaster Fee Calculator?

A Ticketmaster Fee Calculator is a tool or application that allows users to estimate the total cost of purchasing tickets from Ticketmaster. Simply Ticket master is a popular ticketing platform for various events such as concerts, sports events, theater shows, and more. Ticketmaster often includes additional fees, such as service fees, order processing fees, and sometimes delivery fees, on top of the face value of the tickets.

The Ticketmaster Fee Calculator helps users understand and calculate the breakdown of these additional fees, so they can better understand the total cost before proceeding with the ticket purchase. The calculator uses the inputted face value of the ticket to apply the relevant service fee percentage and any applicable taxes, providing the user with an estimate of the total amount they will be charged when buying the tickets.

The calculator typically displays the service fee, tax, and the final total amount, which includes the original ticket price along with all the added fees. This way, users can make more informed decisions about their ticket purchases and avoid any surprises during the checkout process.

As ticket prices and fees can vary for different events and locations, the calculator is particularly helpful for those who want to budget and plan their expenses accurately when buying tickets from Ticketmaster.

How does this Ticketmaster Fee Calculator work?

The Ticketmaster Fee Calculator works by taking input from the user, typically the face value of the ticket they are interested in purchasing, and then performing calculations based on predetermined service fee percentages and tax rates. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how it typically works:

  1. User Input: The user enters the face value of the ticket into the calculator. The original price of the ticket before any additional fees are applied is known as the face value.
  2. Service Fee Calculation: The calculator applies a predetermined service fee percentage to the face value of the ticket. For example, if the service fee is 20%, the calculator calculates 20% of the face value and adds it to the total cost.
  3. Tax Calculation: Similarly, the calculator applies the relevant tax rate to the face value of the ticket. For instance, if the tax rate is 5%, the calculator calculates 5% of the face value and includes it in the total cost.
  4. Total Amount: The calculator then adds the face value of the ticket, the service fee, and the tax amount together to provide the final total cost of the ticket purchase. This total amount represents the price the user will be charged for the ticket.
  5. Display of Results: The calculator displays the individual components of the total cost, including the service fee, tax, and the final total amount. This breakdown assists users in understanding the additional fees they are being charged.
  6. Clear Functionality: Some Ticketmaster Fee Calculators also include a “Clear” button that allows users to reset the input fields and the displayed results, so they can make multiple calculations without refreshing the entire page.

How much is Ticketmaster service fee?


The Ticketmaster service fee can vary depending on the event, ranging from 10% to 15% of the face value of each ticket, along with a flat-rate processing fee. In certain cases, the service fee can be even higher, as seen in a recent Chicago concert where a $2,659 ticket had a service fee of $618.

In addition to the service fee, Ticketmaster also imposes an order processing fee, typically around $2.50 per order, but this amount may vary based on the event.

The accumulated Ticketmaster fees can significantly impact the total cost of tickets. For instance, purchasing two $100 tickets for a concert may result in a service fee of $20 to $30 and an order processing fee of $5, leading to a total of $25 to $35 in fees.

Ticketmaster asserts that the service fee helps cover various business expenses, including credit card processing, customer service, and fraud prevention. Nevertheless, some individuals believe that the fees are excessively high and that Ticketmaster may be capitalizing on its customers.

For those concerned about Ticketmaster’s fees, exploring alternative ticket vendors such as StubHub or Vivid Seats may be worthwhile. While these platforms generally charge lower fees, it’s essential to consider that their ticket availability might not be as extensive as Ticketmaster’s.

How are ticket prices and fees determined in Ticketmaster?

Ticket prices and fees on Ticketmaster are determined through a collaboration between Ticketmaster and its clients, who own the standard tickets (venues, sports teams, or event promoters). Clients set the face value price for these tickets, which is the original price before additional fees. Sellers, including fans or season ticket holders, determine the listing prices for resale tickets.


Ticketmaster publicly discloses ticket prices on its website at the time of sale, as specified by the clients. Before that time, Ticketmaster could not share the ticket prices.

The total cost of a ticket is made up of various components:

  1. Face Value Price: The clients set this as the base ticket price, and it can be adjusted up or down over time.. Ticketmaster collects the face value price and remits it to the clients.
  2. Service Fee and Order Processing Fee: Ticketmaster adds a service fee to each ticket, known as a convenience charge. The service fee varies by event based on agreements with each client. Additionally, there is an order processing fee, typically charged once for each order, which helps cover ticket handling, shipping, and support costs. In some cases, Ticketmaster’s order processing costs may be lower than the fee, allowing them to earn a profit.
  3. Delivery Fees: The clients determine the delivery options, such as Mobile Tickets, Will Call pickup, Print-at-Home, US Mail, or UPS. Ticketmaster offers these options at varying prices, some of which may include a profit for Ticketmaster. The UPS delivery fee might not reflect the actual cost incurred by Ticketmaster.
  4. Facility Charge: Some clients may include a facility charge on ticket purchases. These additional fees typically help clients invest in and operate their venues. The facility charge may vary from event to event and can change over time. Ticketmaster does not share in these facility charges; they collect them solely for the venues.
  5. Taxes: City, state, and local taxes (provincial and Federal Goods and Services taxes in Canada) are usually included in the face value of the ticket or in the fees. In some cases, the ticketing platform may list taxes as a separate charge.

Important note

It’s important to note that the specific fees for each event can vary based on the agreements between Ticketmaster and its clients. The service fee, in particular, can range from 10% to 15% of the face value, but in some instances, it may be even higher. While the fees help cover various expenses related to ticket management, some users have expressed concerns about the transparency and perceived high costs of Ticketmaster’s fees.

Why is Ticketmaster service fee so high?

Ticketmaster’s service fees are relatively high due to a combination of factors. Firstly, Ticketmaster holds a dominant position in the ticketing industry, granting it significant market power. This allows the company to set higher fees without losing customers to competitors.

Ticketmaster’s operating costs, which include credit card processing, customer service, and fraud prevention, also influence the fees. Ticketmaster passes on these expenses to consumers in the form of higher fees. As a for-profit company, Ticketmaster relies on service fees as a source of revenue to sustain its business operations.

Additionally, Ticketmaster’s fees may be higher because venues hosting events often share in the fees charged to customers. Hence, Ticketmaster is not the sole beneficiary of the fees collected.

Moreover, Ticketmaster’s monopolistic position in many parts of the world contributes to its ability to maintain high fees since limited competition exists to keep prices in check. They don’t have any big competitor in the market.

Despite the criticism of high fees, consumers’ willingness to pay is a driving factor. The desire to attend popular events and see favorite artists compels many people to accept the premium pricing associated with Ticketmaster’s fees.

While some individuals may view Ticketmaster’s fees as excessive, it’s essential to consider the broader context of the ticketing industry and the factors that contribute to the company’s fee structure. As a consumer, being aware of these factors can help make informed decisions when purchasing tickets for events. Exploring alternative ticket vendors might also provide options with lower fees, providing greater flexibility and choice for ticket buyers.

Why is there a service fee on Ticketmaster?

The service fee on Ticketmaster and other ticketing platforms exists for several reasons:

  1. Cost Recovery: The service fee helps Ticketmaster cover various operational costs associated with selling tickets. These costs include credit card processing fees, customer support, website maintenance, and other administrative expenses.
  2. Fraud Prevention: Ticketmaster invests in fraud prevention measures to protect consumers from ticket scams and ensure the legitimacy of ticket purchases. The service fee contributes to funding these security measures.
  3. Convenience and Accessibility: Ticketmaster provides a convenient and accessible platform for purchasing tickets online. The service fee reflects the added convenience of buying tickets from the comfort of one’s home and the accessibility to a wide range of events.
  4. Maintaining Ticketmaster’s Business: As a for-profit company, Ticketmaster needs to generate revenue to sustain its operations and invest in technology and services that enhance the ticket-buying experience.
  5. Venue and Event Support: Part of the service fee may go to the venues or event organizers, as they collaborate with Ticketmaster to sell tickets and manage events. This revenue-sharing model helps venues fund their operations and provide better facilities for attendees.

While some customers may feel that the service fee is high, it is crucial to understand that ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster offer a range of services and conveniences that come with a cost. The service fee helps ensure smooth ticket transactions, fraud protection, and efficient customer support, all of which contribute to a seamless ticket purchasing process for consumers.

Why does Ticketmaster charge so many fees?

Ticketmaster charges multiple fees for several reasons:

  1. Operating Costs: Ticketmaster incurs various operational costs in running its ticketing platform. These costs include maintaining the website, providing customer support, handling ticket distribution, and investing in technology to improve the ticketing process. The fees help cover these expenses.
  2. Credit Card Processing: Ticketmaster needs to pay fees to credit card companies and payment processors for each transaction. These fees are passed on to consumers as part of the service fee.
  3. Fraud Prevention: Ticketmaster invests in fraud prevention measures to protect consumers from ticket scams and ensure secure transactions. Ticketmaster includes the cost of implementing these security measures in the service fee.
  4. Revenue Generation: Ticketmaster is a for-profit company, and like any business, it needs to generate revenue to sustain its operations, invest in innovation, and remain competitive in the market. The fees contribute to Ticketmaster’s revenue stream.
  5. Venue and Event Support: In some cases, part of the service fee may go to the venues or event organizers who collaborate with Ticketmaster to sell tickets. This revenue-sharing model helps venues cover their expenses and invest in improving the event experience.
  6. Market Dominance: Ticketmaster holds a dominant position in the ticketing industry, and its market power allows it to set higher fees without fear of significant competition. Limited competition may contribute to the higher fees charged by Ticketmaster.

We have a relevant blog on Why is the Ticketmaster app not working on iPhone – Causes and Fixes. You can read it out.