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Free affiliate tool

Affiliate commission calculator

Estimate one-time, recurring, or lifetime affiliate earnings from a percentage or flat payout, monthly referrals, and customer retention.

Your assumptions

Model the program

Use your retention data, or start with a conservative estimate.

Projected year-one commission

$5,733

Based on 5 new paid referrals each month and 12 eligible commission months per customer.

Per payment
$15
One referral
$176
Month one
$74
Month twelve
$882

Twelve-month ramp

Each bar adds a new monthly referral cohort.

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Mature monthly estimate: $882

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The formula

Price × rate × active referrals

Commission per payment is either the published flat payout or the eligible product price multiplied by its commission rate. Recurring earnings grow as new referral cohorts overlap, then level out when older cohorts reach the customer-lifetime or program-duration limit.

This is a planning estimate, not a guarantee. Refunds, attribution rules, payment schedules, taxes, and changing program terms can affect actual earnings.

Affiliate commission FAQ

How is affiliate commission calculated?

For percentage programs, multiply the eligible product price by the commission rate. A $50 subscription with a 30% commission pays $15 per eligible payment. Flat-rate programs pay the published fixed amount instead.

What is a recurring affiliate commission?

A recurring commission pays the affiliate again when a referred customer renews. Some programs cap recurring payments at 12 or 24 months, while lifetime programs continue for as long as the customer stays subscribed.

What does lifetime commission mean?

Lifetime commission normally means commission continues for the active lifetime of the referred customer, not the affiliate’s lifetime. Actual earnings therefore depend on customer retention and the program’s current terms.

Does this calculator account for customer churn?

The calculator uses the average customer lifetime you enter as a practical retention estimate. It assumes each monthly referral cohort remains active for that average period, capped by the program’s commission duration.