Sales Commission Calculator
Compute a sales rep's earned commission, with a higher rate on sales above a bonus threshold and an optional commission cap. Use it at pay period close to verify payouts or to model compensation plan changes before rolling them out.
Last updated: September 2026
Formula below · 2 sources (sba.gov, Wikipedia) · Updated Sep 2026
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About this calculator
Sales commission plans reward performance by paying a percentage of revenue generated. This calculator handles a common two-tier structure with a cap. Sales up to the bonus threshold earn the base rate; every dollar above the threshold earns the bonus rate instead of the base rate: Commission = min(Threshold × Base Rate/100 + (Sales − Threshold) × Bonus Rate/100, Cap). If sales are at or below the threshold, Commission = min(Sales × Base Rate/100, Cap). If your plan pays the bonus on top of the base rate, enter the combined rate (base + bonus) as the bonus rate. The cap limits the total payout; enter a very large number if your plan is uncapped. Draws are not modelled: subtract any recoverable draw from the result yourself. Accelerators above quota are a proven motivational lever — they make each incremental sale above target more valuable to the rep.
How to use
A rep has $150,000 in sales against a $120,000 bonus threshold, a 5% base rate, an 8% rate above the threshold, and a $10,000 cap. Step 1 — up to the threshold: $120,000 × 5% = $6,000. Step 2 — above the threshold: ($150,000 − $120,000) × 8% = $2,400. Step 3 — total: $6,000 + $2,400 = $8,400, below the $10,000 cap, so the commission is $8,400. With a $8,000 cap the payout would be held to $8,000. If the rep is on a $4,000 recoverable draw, the net payout is $8,400 − $4,000 = $4,400 (worked by hand; the calculator has no draw field).
Frequently asked questions
How does a recoverable draw work in a sales commission plan?
A recoverable draw is essentially an advance on future commissions — the company pays a guaranteed minimum each period, and that amount is deducted from commissions earned before the rep receives a net payout. If commissions exceed the draw, the rep keeps the difference. If commissions fall short, the deficit can either be forgiven (non-recoverable draw) or carried forward to be offset against future earnings (recoverable draw). Draws provide income stability during ramp-up periods but must be structured carefully to avoid creating unsustainable deficits for underperforming reps.
What is an accelerator rate and why do sales compensation plans use them?
An accelerator is an above-quota commission rate that is higher than the standard base rate, designed to supercharge earnings for reps who exceed their targets. The logic is that incremental revenue above quota is particularly valuable — it often carries high margins and proves the rep is firing on all cylinders — so plans reward it disproportionately. Accelerators are a cost-efficient incentive because the additional payout only occurs when the company has already captured profitable revenue above its baseline forecast.
How should I set a sales quota target to make a commission plan fair and motivating?
Effective quotas are typically set at a level that 60–70% of the sales team can realistically achieve in a normal performance period, ensuring the majority feel motivated rather than defeated. Quotas should be grounded in historical performance, market opportunity, and pipeline data — not simply last year's number plus an arbitrary growth percentage. Misaligned quotas (too easy or too hard) both harm business outcomes: easy quotas overpay for mediocre results, while impossibly high quotas drive turnover among your best reps.