If you’re developing or selling an iPhone app, one of the biggest questions on your mind is: “How much money will I actually make?”
While Apple’s App Store is a massive marketplace with millions of potential customers, it’s important to understand how pricing, downloads, and Apple’s commission all affect your bottom line.
To make this easier, our iPhone App Revenue Calculator helps you quickly determine your gross revenue, Apple’s cut, and net monthly earnings — all in a matter of seconds. This tool is ideal for both aspiring app developers and established publishers who want quick, clear financial insights.
iPhone App Revenue Calculator
How the iPhone App Revenue Calculator Works
The tool takes three simple inputs:
- App Price – How much your app costs in the App Store.
- Monthly Downloads – How many times your app is downloaded in a month.
- Apple’s Commission (%) – The percentage Apple takes (usually 30%, but can be 15% for small businesses or subscriptions after the first year).
Based on this information, the calculator shows you:
- Gross Monthly Revenue – Your total sales before Apple’s commission.
- Apple’s Cut – The amount Apple keeps.
- Net Monthly Revenue – The money you actually receive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Tool
- Enter Your App Price
Type the selling price of your app in the “App Price” field. This should match the price you plan to list in the App Store. - Input Your Monthly Downloads
Enter the number of downloads you expect per month. You can use historical sales data or projections. - Adjust Apple’s Commission Percentage
By default, Apple takes 30%, but if you qualify for the Small Business Program or certain subscription models, you can change this to 15%. - Click “Calculate”
The calculator will instantly display your gross revenue, Apple’s cut, and net revenue. - Use “Reset” to Start Over
Want to test different scenarios? Click “Reset” and input new numbers.
Practical Example
Let’s say:
- App Price: $2.99
- Monthly Downloads: 1,000
- Apple’s Commission: 30%
Step 1 – Gross Revenue:
$2.99 × 1,000 downloads = $2,990
Step 2 – Apple’s Cut:
$2,990 × 0.30 = $897
Step 3 – Net Revenue:
$2,990 − $897 = $2,093
In this scenario, you’d take home $2,093 per month after Apple’s commission.
Why This Calculator Is Useful
- Quick Financial Forecasting – Test different prices, download volumes, and commission rates in seconds.
- Realistic Earnings Estimation – Understand exactly how much of your sales go to Apple and how much you keep.
- Business Planning – Helps with budgeting for marketing, development, and other expenses.
- Competitive Pricing Decisions – Experiment with price points to maximize profit without alienating users.
Additional Tips for Maximizing App Revenue
- Consider Apple’s 15% Commission Rate
If you earn less than $1 million per year or have subscriptions longer than 12 months, you may qualify for a reduced commission. - Experiment with Pricing
Sometimes lowering your app price can lead to more downloads and higher net profit. - Offer In-App Purchases or Subscriptions
These can provide recurring revenue beyond your initial app price. - Invest in Marketing
More downloads = more revenue. Even small marketing campaigns can boost visibility. - Analyze Competitors
Look at similar apps’ prices and business models for inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Apple’s standard commission rate?
Apple typically takes a 30% cut from sales, but it can drop to 15% for qualifying developers.
2. Can I change Apple’s commission rate in the calculator?
Yes, simply adjust the “Apple’s Commission (%)” field to match your situation.
3. Does the calculator include taxes?
No, the calculator focuses on revenue before taxes. You’ll need to account for taxes separately.
4. Can I use this calculator for free apps?
Yes, but if your app is free and has no in-app purchases, your revenue will be $0.
5. Is this calculator only for iPhone apps?
It’s tailored for iOS developers, but you can use it for iPad or Mac App Store apps too.
6. Does the calculator work for subscription-based apps?
Yes, but you must input your monthly subscription price and subscriber count.
7. What if my downloads vary each month?
You can run multiple calculations for different months to get an average.
8. Is Apple’s commission taken before or after taxes?
Apple’s commission is taken before taxes are applied.
9. Can this help me decide if I should lower my price?
Absolutely — you can test different prices to see how it impacts your net revenue.
10. Does it factor in refund rates?
No, refunds are not included. You may want to subtract your average refund amount manually.
11. How often should I calculate my revenue?
Monthly is common, but weekly calculations can help track short-term trends.
12. Can I calculate yearly revenue?
Yes, just multiply your monthly net revenue by 12.
13. What’s the best commission rate to use?
Use the rate Apple charges you — usually 30%, but 15% if you qualify.
14. Does it support different currencies?
Currently, the calculator displays results in USD, but you can manually convert.
15. Can I share my results?
Yes, simply take a screenshot or note the numbers.
16. Will this tool predict future earnings?
It estimates based on your inputs, but actual results may vary due to market conditions.
17. Can I use this for apps sold outside the App Store?
You can, but Apple’s commission won’t apply. Adjust the rate to 0%.
18. Is this suitable for in-app purchases only?
Yes, just treat your in-app purchase price as the “App Price” and number of purchases as “Downloads.”
19. Does this include marketing costs?
No, marketing costs are separate from revenue calculations.
20. How accurate is this calculator?
It’s mathematically accurate based on your inputs, but real-world variations may occur.