How to read this result
In the default example, total commission is $25,000.00. All fees are negotiated inputs. Total and side amounts are independent; the calculator does not force the two sides to sum to the total.
Change one assumption at a time to see how it affects the scenario. Compare periods and cost definitions consistently. Negative results show a modeled shortfall; an unavailable ratio needs a valid denominator.
Formula and methodology
Percentage mode applies the total, listing-side and buyer-side percentages independently to sale price. Flat-fee mode uses the three fixed dollar amounts supplied by the user.
Enter percentages as whole numbers: 5 means 5%. When used as a factor, the calculation divides a percentage by 100. Percentage outputs multiply the final ratio by 100. Calculations retain precision internally; displayed amounts and rates are rounded to two decimals.
Variables and input definitions
- Sale price (USD)
- Transaction price. Minimum: 0.
- Total commission rate (%)
- User-entered negotiated total percentage. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 100.
- Listing-side rate (%)
- Optional negotiated listing-side amount. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 100.
- Buyer-side rate (%)
- Optional buyer-side amount/compensation. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 100.
- Fee mode (select)
- Support percentage and flat-fee modes.
- Total flat commission (USD)
- Used only in Flat fee. Minimum: 0.
- Listing-side flat fee (USD)
- Used only in Flat fee. Minimum: 0.
- Buyer-side flat fee (USD)
- Used only in Flat fee. Minimum: 0.
Worked example
This example uses the exact prefilled inputs above. Reset defaults to restore this scenario after making changes.
| Item | Default scenario |
|---|---|
| Sale price | $500,000.00 |
| Total commission rate | 5.00% |
| Listing-side rate | 2.50% |
| Buyer-side rate | 2.50% |
| Fee mode | Percentage |
| Item | Default scenario |
|---|---|
| Total commission | $25,000.00 |
| Listing-side amount | $12,500.00 |
| Buyer-side amount | $12,500.00 |
Assumptions and limitations
Broker compensation is negotiable and not set by law. The calculator must not describe any percentage as standard or required.
All fees are negotiated inputs. Total and side amounts are independent; the calculator does not force the two sides to sum to the total.
The tool uses values you supply. It does not retrieve market prices, verify leases or inspect a property. Results exclude items outside the listed inputs. Review local requirements and the relevant contract when a payment, fee or allocation depends on them.
Common mistakes
Total commission and side amounts are independent inputs. Check that your chosen allocation reconciles with the actual agreement; the tool does not silently normalize it.
Sources and method references
These references provide context for the method and terminology. They do not endorse this tool or validate your property assumptions.
- National Association of REALTORS® — 2026 Code of Ethics & Standards of PracticeBroker compensation is not set by law and is fully negotiable.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard mandatory real estate commission?
No. Compensation is a negotiated input. The default is an illustrative scenario, not an imposed or recommended U.S. fee.
Can I use fixed fees instead of percentages?
Yes. Select Flat fee and enter total, listing-side and buyer-side amounts. Percentage fields are inactive in that mode.