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Commission Calculator
Work out your sales commission and total pay. Enter your sales and rate, add an optional base salary or tiered rate, then press Calculate.
Written by TopicDrill Editorial Team·Updated June 2026
Pay breakdown
Base salary 49%Base commission 25%Tier commission 26%
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How the commission calculator works
At its simplest, commission is your sales amount times your rate. The calculator does that math instantly and then layers on two common real world features: a base salary and a tiered rate. The base salary is added to your commission to show total take, and the tier splits your sales so the portion above a threshold earns a higher rate.
The effective rate shown in the results is your total commission divided by total sales. It is handy when you have a tiered plan, because it tells you the single blended rate you actually earned across the whole sale.
A quick example
Suppose you sell $50,000 with a plan paying 5% up to $30,000 and 8% above. The first $30,000 earns $1,500 and the remaining $20,000 earns $1,600, for $3,100 in commission. Add a $3,000 base salary and your total pay for the period is $6,100.
Things to keep in mind
Plans differ on when commission is paid, whether it is on gross or net sales, and how returns are handled. Always read your plan document. For general guidance on pay and wages, the U.S. Department of Labor is a useful reference. Explore more with our other free calculators.
Frequently asked questions
How is sales commission calculated?
Commission is the sales amount multiplied by the commission rate. For example, $50,000 in sales at a 5% rate earns $2,500. If you also receive a base salary, add it on top to get your total pay for the period.
What is a tiered commission?
A tiered plan pays a higher rate on sales above a threshold. You might earn 5% on the first $30,000 and 8% on everything above it. This rewards top performance, and the calculator splits your sales at the threshold and applies each rate to the right portion.
What is the difference between base salary and commission?
Base salary is fixed pay you receive regardless of sales. Commission is variable pay tied to what you sell. Many sales roles combine the two, giving you stable income plus upside when you sell more.
What is a good commission rate?
Rates vary widely by industry, from 1% to 2% on large-ticket items to 20% or more on some services. The right rate depends on margins, deal size and how much of your pay is base versus commission. Always confirm the exact terms in your plan.
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