Real Estate Commission Calculator
Enter a home's sale price and the commission rate to see the total commission, how it splits between the listing and buyer's agents and their brokerages, and the seller's net proceeds after closing costs and the mortgage payoff.
Both sides combined. Commissions are negotiable.
Share the agent keeps after the brokerage.
Transfer taxes, title, escrow, attorney fees, etc.
How to use the Real Estate Commission Calculator
- Enter the sale price and the total commission rate (or a flat fee).
- Set the listing side share: 50% for an even split, 100% if the seller only pays their own agent.
- Optionally enter agent/broker splits to see what each agent keeps.
- Add other closing costs and the mortgage payoff to estimate the seller's net.
- Compare other rates in the table to see how negotiation changes the result.
How real estate commission is calculated
Commission = sale price × commission rate
The total is then divided between the listing (seller's) brokerage and the buyer's brokerage, and each brokerage pays its agent according to their split agreement:
- Listing side = commission × listing share; buyer side = the rest
- Agent take-home = side × the agent's split (for example 70% to the agent, 30% to the brokerage)
- Seller net proceeds = sale price − commission − other closing costs − mortgage payoff
Example: a $450,000 sale at 5.5% gives $24,750 of commission, $12,375 per side. An agent on a 70/30 split keeps $8,662.50 from their side. With 1.5% other closing costs ($6,750) and a $250,000 mortgage payoff, the seller nets $168,500.
Commission at common rates
| Sale price | 4% | 5% | 5.5% | 6% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $8,000 | $10,000 | $11,000 | $12,000 |
| $300,000 | $12,000 | $15,000 | $16,500 | $18,000 |
| $400,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 | $22,000 | $24,000 |
| $500,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 | $27,500 | $30,000 |
| $750,000 | $30,000 | $37,500 | $41,250 | $45,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 | $55,000 | $60,000 |
How commissions work after the 2024 NAR settlement
Real estate commissions in the US have always been negotiable; no rate is set by law. Under practice changes that took effect on August 17, 2024 after the National Association of Realtors settlement, offers of compensation to buyer's agents can no longer be published on MLS listings, and buyers working with an agent must sign a written agreement stating how much (or how) that agent is paid. Sellers may still agree to pay the buyer's agent, the buyer may pay directly, or the amount may be negotiated as part of the offer. Use the listing side share to model any arrangement, including 100% when the seller only pays their own agent.
Frequently asked questions
How is real estate commission calculated?
Multiply the sale price by the commission rate. On a $450,000 sale at 5.5%, the commission is $24,750. It is usually divided between the listing and buyer's brokerages, and each brokerage then pays its agent a share.
What is a typical real estate commission?
There is no standard rate: commissions are negotiable. Historically, total commissions in the US have often been in the 5% to 6% range, and they vary by market, price and service level. Enter the rate you were quoted.
Who pays the real estate commission?
Traditionally the seller paid both agents out of the sale proceeds. Since the August 2024 NAR settlement changes, buyer's agent compensation is negotiated separately and can be paid by the seller, the buyer, or a mix, as agreed in writing.
How much does an agent actually take home?
The agent receives their side of the commission minus the brokerage's cut. On a $12,375 side with a 70/30 split, the agent keeps $8,662.50 before their own expenses and taxes.
How do I calculate seller net proceeds?
Subtract the commission, other closing costs (title, transfer taxes, escrow, attorney fees) and the remaining mortgage balance from the sale price. The result is roughly what the seller receives at closing.
Is commission charged on the full sale price?
Usually yes: the rate applies to the gross sale price, not your equity or profit. That is why a 1% difference on a $500,000 home is $5,000.
Is my data stored?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is uploaded.