How do real estate commission splits work?

The seller pays a total commission (typically 5-6% of the sale price), which gets split between the listing agent and buyer's agent. Each agent then splits their share with their brokerage. For example, on a $500K sale at 6% total: $30K commission, $15K per side, then each agent splits with their broker (e.g., 70/30 = $10,500 to agent, $4,500 to broker).

What is a typical commission split for new agents?

New agents typically start at 50/50 or 60/40 (agent/broker) splits. As you gain experience and close more deals, you can negotiate better splits — 70/30, 80/20, or even 90/10 at top-producer levels. Some brokerages offer 100% commission with a flat monthly fee instead.

How do I calculate my take-home from a sale?

Multiply the sale price by the total commission rate, divide by 2 (your side), then multiply by your split percentage, and subtract any broker fees. Our calculator does this instantly and shows you the exact dollar amount after all splits and fees.

What is a cap in real estate commissions?

A cap is the maximum amount you pay your broker in a year. Once you hit the cap, you keep 100% of your commission for the rest of the year. For example, a $25K cap means after paying $25K to your broker, every remaining dollar goes to you.

How much does a real estate agent make per sale?

On the median US home sale of $420,000 at 5.5% total commission: each side gets $11,550. After a 70/30 broker split, the agent takes home $8,085. After self-employment tax (15.3%) and income tax, the net is closer to $5,200-5,800 per transaction.

What is a team split in real estate?

Team splits add another layer. A team lead typically takes 30-50% of the agent's side before the broker split. On a $500K sale at 6%: total commission $30K, your side $15K, team split (60/40 to team lead) leaves you $6K, then broker takes 30% leaving you $4,200. Factor in all layers before joining a team.

Has the NAR settlement changed commission splits?

The 2024 NAR settlement decoupled listing and buyer agent commissions. Buyer agents now negotiate their fee directly with buyers. Total commissions are trending from 5-6% down to 4-5%. Buyer agent fees of 2-2.5% are becoming standard. This calculator handles any split structure.

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Commission Split Calculator

The commission math looks simple until you layer in the listing/buyer agent split, your broker's cut, and transaction fees. A $500K sale at 6% sounds like $30K — but after a 50/50 side split and a 70/30 broker split, you net $10,500. This calculator shows you the exact dollar amount that ends up in your account after every layer takes their share.

5–6%

Avg Commission

50/50

New Agent Split

90/10

Top Producer

$420K

Median Home Price

By SplitGenius TeamUpdated February 2026Reviewed for accuracy

To calculate a commission split, multiply the sale price by the total commission rate, then divide by each party's split percentage. On a $500,000 sale at 6% commission with a 70/30 agent-broker split: $30,000 total commission, $21,000 to agent, $9,000 to broker. Enter your numbers below.

Sale Details

Sale Price

Total Commission Rate

Commission Split

Apply broker fee

Agent Commission by Sale Price — 70/30 Split

Agent take-home on one side of a 5.5% total commission with a 70/30 agent/broker split.

Sale Price	Total Commission	Your Side (50%)	Agent (70%)	Broker (30%)
$250,000	$13,750	$6,875	$4,813	$2,063
$350,000	$19,250	$9,625	$6,738	$2,888
$425,000	$23,375	$11,688	$8,181	$3,506
$500,000	$27,500	$13,750	$9,625	$4,125
$650,000	$35,750	$17,875	$12,513	$5,363
$800,000	$44,000	$22,000	$15,400	$6,600

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How Real Estate Commission Splits Work

Real estate commissions are paid by the seller and typically total 5-6% of the sale price. This gets split multiple ways: first between the listing side and buyer's side, then between each agent and their brokerage. Understanding these splits is critical for agents calculating their take-home pay.

Standard Commission Split Tiers

Split	Typical For	Agent Gets (on $30K)
50/50	New agents, first 1-2 years	$15,000
60/40	Experienced agents, 2-4 years	$18,000
70/30	Top producers, 5+ years	$21,000
80/20	High-volume agents	$24,000
90/10 or 100%	Cap-based or flat-fee brokerages	$27,000-$30,000

Example: $400,000 Home Sale at 5.5% Commission

Total commission: $400,000 × 5.5% = $22,000
Listing side (50%): $11,000
Listing agent (70/30 split): $11,000 × 70% = $7,700
Listing broker (30%): $11,000 × 30% = $3,300

This calculator also works for sales teams, insurance agents, or any industry where commissions are split between parties. For partnership profit splits, check our business profit split calculator.