Work out exactly what a sale is worth — and if the program pays recurring commission, see what it adds up to over time.
Commission per sale is simply the sale value multiplied by the commission rate. Where it gets more useful is with recurring programs — toggle the checkbox above, and this calculator projects what a batch of subscribers is worth over their average retention period, not just their first payment.
This matters more than it might seem. A 20% one-time commission on a $100 sale pays $20, once. A 20% recurring commission on the same $100/month subscription, retained for 12 months, pays $240 per customer — twelve times as much from the same conversion. If you're deciding between two affiliate programs, the recurring structure usually wins even at a lower headline percentage, once retention is factored in.
Is this the exact amount I'll actually be paid? This gives you the math based on the numbers you enter — always confirm a program's actual commission structure, payment terms, and any minimum payout threshold directly with the program itself before relying on a projection.
Why does the recurring option ask for average retention, not a guaranteed number? No program can guarantee how long a specific customer stays subscribed — this calculator uses your estimate to project a realistic range, not a promise.