Online Course Revenue Calculator
Estimate net revenue from an online course after platform fees and refunds — and see the take-home per enrolled student.
How it works
Gross = price × students · After refunds = gross × (1 − refund%) · Net = after-refunds × (1 − fee%)
Course revenue looks simple — price times students — but two deductions shrink it. Refunds come off the top: even a well-reviewed course typically sees single-digit refund rates, and money-back guarantees push them higher. Then the hosting platform and payment processor take their percentage of what remains. Marketplaces like Udemy can keep half of a sale they source, while self-hosted platforms like Teachable or Gumroad take far less, so where you sell matters as much as the price.
Worked example
A $199 course enrolls 300 students, for $59,700 gross. An 8% refund rate removes $4,776, leaving $54,924. A 10% platform-and-processing fee on that takes another $5,492, so net revenue is about $49,432 — roughly $165 kept per enrolled student.
Frequently asked questions
Do fees apply before or after refunds?
Refunds come first — a refunded sale usually returns the platform fee too — so this calculator removes refunds, then applies the fee to what is left. The order matters for the final net figure.
Why is the platform fee range so wide?
Self-hosted platforms (Teachable, Podia, Gumroad) charge roughly 0–10% plus processing, while open marketplaces like Udemy can take 50%+ on sales they generate through their own promotions. Set the fee to match how you actually sell.
How do I lower my refund rate?
Clear sales pages that set accurate expectations, strong onboarding, and quick student support all reduce buyer’s remorse. A course that over-delivers on its promise refunds far less than one that over-sells.
Related calculators
Educational estimate — real earnings vary widely by niche, geography, platform terms and season.