Real Estate Commission Split Calculator: Agent's Share of a Commission
Work out an agent's take-home share of a real estate commission after the brokerage split — and the amount the brokerage keeps — so you can see what a deal actually pays before franchise fees and taxes.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Agent's share | Brokerage keeps |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 on $18k (agent $10,800) | 10,800 | 7,200 |
| 50/50 on $12k (new agent) | 6,000 | 6,000 |
| 80/20 on $24k (producer) | 19,200 | 4,800 |
| 90/10 on $30k | 27,000 | 3,000 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the agent's split percentage and the gross commission on the deal. The calculator returns the agent's share and the brokerage's share. The gross commission is the amount the agent's side earns on the transaction, before the split with the brokerage.
The Formula
Percentage of an Amount
Amount is the base value, Percentage is the rate applied to it
Worked Example
On an $18,000 gross commission with a 60/40 split, the agent takes $10,800 and the brokerage keeps $7,200. But that agent's $10,800 isn't take-home: franchise fees, transaction or desk fees, and self-employment taxes still come out. Splits vary widely — new agents often start at 50/50, top producers negotiate 80/20 or 90/10, and some brokerages use a 100% model where the agent keeps the commission but pays flat monthly or per-transaction fees instead.
Key Insight
The commission split is the headline number, but an agent's real economics depend on the whole fee stack. A 'better' split can be worse after fees: a 70/30 brokerage with low fees and good lead flow may net more than a 90/10 brokerage that charges hefty desk, franchise, and transaction fees and provides no leads. Many splits also have a cap — once an agent pays the brokerage a set amount in a year, they keep 100% of further commissions. And the agent's share is pre-tax self-employment income, so set aside roughly a quarter to a third for taxes. Compare brokerages on net take-home across a realistic year, not on the split alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the commission split calculated?
Multiply the gross commission by the agent's split percentage. On an $18,000 commission with a 60/40 split, the agent gets $10,800 and the brokerage keeps $7,200.
What's a typical agent commission split?
It varies with production and brokerage model. New agents often start near 50/50; experienced producers negotiate 70/30, 80/20, or 90/10. Some brokerages use a 100% model where the agent keeps the commission but pays flat monthly or per-transaction fees instead of a split.
Is the agent's share their take-home pay?
No. Franchise fees, transaction or desk fees, marketing costs, and self-employment taxes still come out of the agent's share. The split tells you the gross to the agent; net income is lower, so compare brokerages on take-home after all fees, not on the split alone.
What is a commission cap?
Many brokerages cap the total an agent pays them in a year. Once you've paid the cap (the brokerage's share up to a set limit), you keep 100% of further commissions for the rest of the year. A cap can make a lower split far more attractive for high producers.
How much should an agent set aside for taxes?
The agent's share is self-employment income with no withholding, so a common guideline is to reserve roughly 25% to 35% for federal, state, and self-employment taxes. Setting it aside as each commission lands avoids a painful bill at tax time.
Related Calculators
Methodology & Review
The agent's share is the agent's split percentage applied to the gross commission; the remainder is the brokerage's share. It models a single percentage split and does not account for franchise fees, transaction fees, caps, or taxes the agent still owes on their share.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 22, 2026.