Calculate your net Uber or Lyft earnings after deducting platform commission, fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and self-employment tax.
Rideshare driving looks profitable on the surface, but most drivers significantly overestimate their true earnings. After the platform takes its 20–35% commission, you still need to subtract fuel, maintenance, depreciation, insurance, and self-employment taxes from what's left.
This rideshare earnings calculator breaks down your real net income per hour and per mile. Enter your gross fares, hours worked, miles driven, and vehicle expenses to see what you actually take home. The result often reveals that real hourly earnings are much lower than the gross fare numbers suggest.
Understanding your true earnings is essential for deciding whether rideshare driving is worth your time, how many hours you need to work to meet income goals, and what expenses to track for tax deductions. Many drivers find their effective hourly rate drops below minimum wage once all costs are accounted for.
Whether you drive a compact sedan, a full-size SUV, or a pickup truck, accurate rideshare earnings figures help you plan smarter and avoid costly surprises at the pump or dealership. Use this tool regularly to track changes over time and adjust your transportation budget accordingly.
Most rideshare drivers only track gross fares, ignoring the hidden costs that consume 30–50% of their revenue. This calculator reveals your true per-hour and per-mile earnings so you can make informed decisions about whether driving is worth your time and vehicle wear. Results update instantly as you adjust inputs, making it easy to explore different scenarios and find the best option for your driving needs and budget.
Net = Gross Fares − Commission − Fuel Cost − Maintenance − Depreciation − Self-Employment Tax | Per Hour = Net ÷ Hours | Per Mile = Net ÷ Miles
Result: $10.50/hour net
Gross $1,200. Commission 25% = $300. Fuel: (800 ÷ 28) × $3.50 = $100. Maintenance: 800 × $0.08 = $64. Depreciation: 800 × $0.12 = $96. Net before tax = $640. Self-employment tax ~15.3% = $98. Net = $542 ÷ 40 hours = $13.55/hr.
Rideshare companies advertise attractive earnings potential, but the gross fare number on your driver app is far from what you actually take home. A systematic accounting of all costs reveals the true picture.
The platform takes 20–35% off the top. Fuel consumes another 10–15% of gross fares. Maintenance and repairs add 5–10%. Vehicle depreciation — the most overlooked cost — takes another 10–15%. Self-employment taxes claim 15.3% of what's left.
Drive during surge pricing hours, minimize empty miles between rides, use a fuel-efficient vehicle, and stay on top of maintenance to avoid expensive repairs. Drivers who optimize these factors can earn 30–50% more per hour than those who don't.
Track every business mile and choose between the IRS standard mileage deduction ($0.67/mile) and actual expenses — whichever gives the larger deduction. Keep receipts for all vehicle expenses and consider quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties.
After all expenses, most rideshare drivers earn $10–$20/hour in net income. Top drivers in high-demand markets can earn $20–$30/hour during peak times, but the average falls closer to $12–$15/hour once fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and taxes are deducted.
Platform commission typically ranges from 20–35% of the fare. The exact percentage varies by ride type, market, and whether surge pricing is active. Some drivers report effective commission rates above 40% when including booking fees taken by the platform.
Track fuel, oil changes, tire replacement, brake service, car washes, phone mount and charger, phone data plan, and any repairs. Also calculate depreciation based on the extra miles you put on your car. All of these are deductible business expenses.
Depreciation is the single largest hidden cost. Driving 30,000 extra miles per year on a $25,000 car can cost $3,000–$5,000 in annual depreciation. That's $0.10–$0.17 per mile that comes directly out of your net earnings.
Yes. As an independent contractor, you owe self-employment tax (15.3%) on net earnings in addition to regular income tax. This covers Social Security and Medicare. Set aside 25–30% of your net for total tax obligations.
It depends on your market, vehicle costs, and alternative job options. In high-demand cities with low fuel costs, it can be worthwhile. In lower-demand areas or with an expensive/inefficient vehicle, your effective hourly rate may drop below minimum wage after expenses.