This is my first character so im still learning as I play. I am currently level 8 fighter and whenever I use action surge ,I've only been taking one extra attack on top of my standard and extra attack so in total 3 attacks using action surge. Is this right use or should I be taking two attacks with action surge making it 4?

I am playing with experienced players and no one has corrected me and I dont really understand the wording so up until now ive been taking it as ive been using the feature right

Action surge gives you an additional action. That action can be the attack action. Whenever you take an attack action and you have the 5th level fighter extra attack feature, you may make two attacks.

So as a level 8 fighter, you should be making two attacks with the action surge, instead of 1, meaning 4 attacks per round that you use action surge to make an additional attack action.

Once you hit fighter 11 you will get three attacks per action, meaning 6  attacks on a round where you use action surge to make an additional attack action.

Thank you for clearing that up , I felt like it was wrong but wasn't sure 

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

Just to be clear and maybe open up some options: (ignore any of this free advice that you may find redundant.)

Remember that the feature Action Surge does NOT give you any extra attacks or even regular attacks. It gives you another ACTION.

With that action you can take the attack action, but you can also take any other action... ANY OTHER action. Keep this in the back of your mind as sometimes it may prove worthwhile to remember. It all depends on the circumstances of each situation.

But if you are focused making the most attacks with it then yes, the following is how it would work:

1. You take the attack action and because of extra attacks get to make 2 attacks.

2. You use your action surge to take the attack action again and because of extra attacks you get to make another 2 attacks.

In total for that round you could make 4 attacks.

Now keep in mind you also get a bonus action but only 1 on your turn. The wording of action surge is poorly phrased and is just meant as a reminder that if you have not already taken your bonus action this turn then you can still take one.

The reason this matters is if you were holding 2 light weapons in each hand and wanted to use 2 weapon fighting then you could make a 5th attack as a bonus action,BUT this would not be doubled into 2 bonus action with action surge, as the feature does NOT grant a second bonus action.

Hope this helps, even if it's just in some small way, good luck and have fun.

 It actually helped me. Thanks.