Affiliate Commission Calculator
Calculate affiliate commission earnings, cost per acquisition for merchants, and effective ROAS for affiliate programs. The essential calculator for both publishers and advertisers in affiliate marketing.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate Commission Calculator | Commission = Sale Amount × Commission Rate% | $/sale |
Step-by-Step Examples
$150 product, 20% commission, 30 sales/month, 5% refunds.
- Commission/sale: $30
- Net sales: 30×0.95 = 28.5
- Monthly earnings: $855
$997 course, 40% commission, 5 sales/month, 10% refunds.
- Commission/sale: $398.80
- Net sales: 5×0.90 = 4.5
- Monthly: $1,794.60
$150 product, 20% commission, 100 affiliate sales/month.
- Merchant pays: 100×$30 = $3,000 to affiliates
- Revenue generated: 100×$150 = $15,000
- Affiliate cost as % of revenue: 20% (their commission rate)
- ROAS on affiliate spend: 5x ($15k/$3k)
Real-World Applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many affiliate programs include clawback provisions: commissions are reversed on refunded orders. Budget for 3–10% refund rate depending on the niche.
A 40% commission on a product that converts at 0.5% is worse than 15% on a product that converts at 2%. Track earnings per click (EPC), not just commission rate.
Your audience trust is your most valuable asset as an affiliate. One bad recommendation can destroy years of credibility. Only promote what you'd genuinely use.