Real estate commission calculator with splits and caps
See exactly what you take home from a deal after referral fees, brokerage split, cap, franchise and transaction fees and team splits.
The deal
Your plan
Commissions are negotiable and are not set by law. Brokerages apply fees in different orders, so check your plan.
How the commission calculator works
It starts with the gross commission on your side of the deal, then takes out each cost in a common order: referral fee, franchise fee, brokerage share (stopping once you reach your cap), transaction fee and finally any team split.
Worked example
A $500,000 sale at 2.5% is $12,500 gross. On a 70/30 split the brokerage would take $3,750, but with an $18,000 cap and $12,000 already paid, it takes $3,750 and you have $2,250 of cap left. After a $395 transaction fee you keep $8,355, or about 1.67% of the price. Once the cap is reached, the brokerage share drops to zero for the rest of the year.
Common split questions
- 70/30 split: you keep 70% of the commission and the brokerage keeps 30%, often until you hit a cap.
- Caps: the most you pay the brokerage in a year. After that you keep 100%, less fees.
- Team splits: on a team, the lead often keeps a share of leads they provide. This calculator applies it last.
- Buyer and listing sides: since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer agent pay is agreed in writing with the buyer and may or may not be paid by the seller. Enter the percentage you will actually be paid.
Planning a year? Use the GCI goal calculator to turn an income goal into deals and leads.
Questions people ask
How do I calculate my real estate commission?
Multiply the sale price by your side’s commission rate to get the gross commission, then subtract any referral fee, franchise fee, your brokerage’s share, transaction fees and team split.
What does a 70/30 commission split mean?
You keep 70% of the commission and your brokerage keeps 30%. Many plans stop taking the brokerage share once you reach an annual cap.
What is a commission cap?
The maximum amount you pay your brokerage in a year. After you reach it, you keep 100% of your commission, minus any per-deal fees.
Are real estate commissions set by law?
No. Commissions are negotiable between the client and the brokerage. There is no standard rate set by law.
Does this work for team splits?
Yes. Enter the team lead’s share and the calculator applies it after brokerage and transaction fees. Some teams apply it earlier, so check your agreement.
Last updated October 30, 2026. Built by Hasham Akram, founder of Closing Scale. Estimates only, not legal, tax or financial advice.