For frequent flyers of Delta Air Lines, reaching elite Medallion status is a desirable goal. Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) play a crucial role in determining your eligibility for various tiers like Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Understanding how many MQMs you have, need, or are projected to earn can help you strategize your travel and maximize your benefits.
Delta MQM Calculator
What Are MQMs?
MQMs, or Medallion Qualification Miles, are miles flown on Delta or qualifying partner airlines that count toward elite Medallion status—not redeemable award miles. You earn MQMs based on the distance flown and the fare class purchased. The more you fly and the higher the class, the more MQMs you earn.
MQMs reset at the end of each year unless you qualify for rollover MQMs, which can help you get a head start toward next year’s elite status.
How to Use the Delta MQM Calculator
Using the Delta MQM Calculator is simple and user-friendly. Follow these steps:
- Enter the distance of your flight in miles.
- Select your fare class (e.g., Main Cabin, Comfort+, First Class, etc.).
- Indicate if the flight is operated by Delta or a partner airline.
- Submit the inputs to get your total MQMs for that flight.
This allows you to plan how many flights you need to book or how close you are to the next Medallion tier.
Formula to Calculate MQMs
MQMs are calculated using the following general formula:
MQMs = Flight Distance × Fare Class Multiplier
The Fare Class Multiplier varies depending on your ticket type. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Basic Economy: 1.0 × flight miles
- Main Cabin / Comfort+: 1.0 × flight miles
- First Class / Premium Select: 1.5 × flight miles
- Delta One (Business): 2.0 × flight miles
- Partner Airlines: Varies by partner and fare class
Example:
If you fly 2,500 miles on a Main Cabin ticket with Delta, your MQMs will be:
MQMs = 2,500 × 1.0 = 2,500 MQMs
If the same flight is in First Class:
MQMs = 2,500 × 1.5 = 3,750 MQMs
Example Use Case
Let’s say you’re planning a roundtrip flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX), which is approximately 2,475 miles one-way.
- Class: First Class
- Airline: Delta
- Total Distance (Roundtrip): 4,950 miles
- Multiplier: 1.5 (First Class)
MQMs = 4,950 × 1.5 = 7,425 MQMs
This single trip brings you a significant step closer to achieving or renewing Gold Medallion status.
Why Use a Delta MQM Calculator?
The Delta MQM Calculator offers multiple benefits:
- Track progress toward Medallion tiers
- Compare flight options and class upgrades
- Maximize value from travel rewards credit cards
- Plan for rollover MQMs
- Optimize your Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) strategy
If you’re trying to qualify for elite status by the end of the year, this tool can be the difference between hitting the mark and missing out.
Medallion Status Tiers & MQM Requirements (2025)
- Silver: 25,000 MQMs
- Gold: 50,000 MQMs
- Platinum: 75,000 MQMs
- Diamond: 125,000 MQMs
Note: MQDs or MQD Waivers (through Delta co-branded credit card spending) may also apply.
Tips to Earn MQMs Faster
- Fly premium cabins – higher multipliers.
- Use Delta credit cards – some offer MQM bonuses.
- Book longer flights – more distance = more MQMs.
- Take advantage of partner airlines – compare multipliers.
- Look out for MQM promotions from Delta.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are MQMs?
Medallion Qualification Miles are miles earned based on distance flown and fare class, used to determine Delta elite status.
2. How are MQMs different from SkyMiles?
SkyMiles can be redeemed for flights; MQMs help you qualify for elite Medallion status.
3. Do MQMs expire?
Yes, they reset at the end of the year unless rolled over.
4. How do I earn MQMs?
By flying on Delta or qualifying partner airlines.
5. Can I buy MQMs?
No, but you can earn them through flying or eligible Delta credit cards.
6. What is rollover MQM?
Unused MQMs above your current tier threshold are carried over to the next year.
7. Do partner airline flights count?
Yes, but MQMs vary depending on fare class and airline agreements.
8. What if I fly Basic Economy?
You still earn MQMs, but often at a lower rate.
9. Can MQMs be transferred?
No, MQMs are non-transferable.
10. Is there a minimum distance requirement?
No, all qualifying miles contribute to your MQM total.
11. Does booking through third-party sites affect MQMs?
No, as long as the flight qualifies and your SkyMiles number is attached.
12. What’s the fastest way to earn MQMs?
Fly long-haul international flights in premium cabins or use credit card bonuses.
13. Which Delta cards offer MQMs?
Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and Reserve offer MQM bonuses.
14. What’s an MQM waiver?
Spending $25,000+ on certain Delta Amex cards can waive the MQD requirement (except Diamond status).
15. Does flying on award tickets earn MQMs?
No, only revenue tickets earn MQMs.
16. How do I check my MQM total?
Log into your Delta SkyMiles account to view your progress.
17. Can MQMs be earned on upgrades?
Yes, if you pay for the upgrade or use miles/cash.
18. What are MQDs?
Medallion Qualification Dollars measure how much you spend with Delta.
19. Can I earn MQMs from promotional offers?
Yes, Delta occasionally offers promotions with MQM bonuses.
20. Are MQMs earned on international flights?
Yes, as long as it’s with Delta or a qualifying SkyTeam partner.
Conclusion
The Delta MQM Calculator is your ultimate tool for tracking and optimizing your journey toward Medallion status. Whether you’re a frequent flyer aiming for Diamond status or an occasional traveler trying to reach Silver, this calculator takes the guesswork out of your MQM calculations. By understanding how MQMs work and how to earn them more efficiently, you can fly smarter, not harder.