Patreon vs. Substack Earnings Comparison Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
- 1
Enter your gross monthly revenue
Type Gross Monthly Revenue ($) before platform and payment-processing fees.
- 2
Compare the modeled retention rates
The calculator estimates Patreon net at 88% of gross and Substack net at 87% of gross. These are simplified assumptions, not a transaction-level fee quote.
- 3
Review the difference and check your real costs
The higher-earner result compares only the modeled percentages. Check current platform terms, payment processing, taxes, and any other costs before choosing a service.
Example Calculation
A creator expects $100 in gross monthly revenue and compares the calculator's simplified Patreon and Substack retention assumptions.
Gross Monthly Revenue ($)
100
Results
Patreon Net (Pro 8%)
$88.00
Substack Net (10%)
$87.00
Higher Earner
Patreon
Difference
$1.00
Gross Revenue
$100.00
Insights card shows which modeled net is higher and by how much.
Tips
At $1,000 gross, the modeled difference is $10
Change Gross Monthly Revenue ($) from $100 to $1,000. Under the fixed 88% and 87% assumptions, Patreon estimates $880 net and Substack estimates $870.
The calculator assumes the same gross for both platforms
Enter the revenue you expect on either platform, then test a lower gross amount to see how the estimated dollar difference scales. The comparison does not predict how many subscribers each platform will attract.
Check transaction-level fees before deciding
The calculator uses fixed retention percentages and does not count payment transactions. Compare the estimate with each platform's current fee terms and your expected number and size of payments.
What this comparison estimates
This calculator compares the modeled amount remaining from the same gross monthly revenue on Patreon and Substack. It uses fixed retention assumptions—88% for Patreon and 87% for Substack—so it provides a quick fee comparison, not a forecast of audience size, platform performance, or exact payout charges.
How the calculation works
Patreon net = Gross monthly revenue × 0.88
Substack net = Gross monthly revenue × 0.87
Difference = Absolute value of Patreon net − Substack net
For $100 in gross monthly revenue, the Patreon estimate is $100 × 0.88 = $88. The Substack estimate is $100 × 0.87 = $87. The modeled difference is $88 − $87 = $1, so Patreon is the higher earner under these assumptions.
How gross revenue affects the comparison
Because both estimates use fixed percentages, the projected dollar difference grows in proportion to gross revenue. The percentage-point gap remains one point across these examples.
| Gross monthly revenue | Patreon estimate (88%) | Substack estimate (87%) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $88 | $87 | $1 |
| $500 | $440 | $435 | $5 |
| $1,000 | $880 | $870 | $10 |
These figures do not model transaction counts or individual processing charges. At low revenue or with many small payments, fixed per-transaction costs can make actual effective rates differ from the blended percentages.
Choose based on more than the modeled fee difference
The calculator holds gross revenue equal on both platforms. In practice, platform features and audience behavior can change gross revenue, while processing terms and plan fees can change the amount retained. Compare your likely subscriber experience and the current fee terms, then use actual payout data to update your estimate.
For platform-specific estimates, try the Patreon earnings calculator and the Substack subscription revenue calculator. To compare another creator-platform pair, use the YouTube vs. TikTok earnings comparison calculator.
When to use a different calculator
- Estimate Patreon fees using a separate fee breakdown → Patreon earnings calculator
- Project Substack subscription revenue → Substack subscription revenue calculator
- Estimate Ko-fi earnings → Ko-fi earnings calculator
- Compare earnings from video platforms → YouTube vs. TikTok earnings comparison calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this Patreon vs. Substack comparison work?
It estimates Patreon net as 88% of gross revenue and Substack net as 87%, then reports the higher modeled amount and the difference. The assumptions are simplified blended rates, not exact platform fee schedules.
How do I calculate each platform's estimated net?
1. Multiply gross monthly revenue by 0.88 for the modeled Patreon net. 2. Multiply the same gross by 0.87 for the modeled Substack net. 3. Subtract the lower net from the higher net to find the difference.
Does the result prove Patreon will earn more than Substack?
No, it only compares estimated fees at identical gross revenue. Subscriber growth, payment frequency, plan features, refunds, and current processing terms can change the actual amount you keep.
Are taxes included in the net amounts?
No, the results subtract only the modeled platform and processing costs. They do not account for income tax, self-employment tax, or deductible business expenses; the IRS Gig Economy Tax Center explains tax considerations for independent creators.
What else should I compare before choosing a platform?
Compare audience fit, subscription features, discovery, payout timing, portability, and the fees that apply to your account and payment mix. The SBA guide to managing business finances can help you track revenue and costs rather than relying on a single net estimate.