Sales Commission & OTE Calculator
Reveal the Real Payout
Output Benchmarks
How to use this Sales Commission & OTE Calculator
Input Data
Enter your current Sales metrics into the labeled fields above.
Analyze Ratios
Instantly view efficiency ratios calculated against elite standards.
Optimize
Compare your results with the Benchmarks on the right to find leverage points.
Strategic Context
THE STRATEGIC VIEW
Sales roles are often sold on OTE (On-Target Earnings). But OTE is a myth until you hit 100% of your quota. This calculator reveals the base-salary reality and the impact of accelerators/decelerators on your actual take-home pay.
Operational Reality
THE OTE ILLUSION
Recruiters sell the dream of "On-Target Earnings" (OTE), but the reality is that 67% of reps miss quota. Your base salary covers the rent; commission builds the wealth. To calculate your true earning potential, you must understand the "Attainment Curve."
DECELERATORS: THE 'KILL ZONE'
Most compensation plans have a "Cliff" or "Floor" (often at 50% attainment). If you close 40% of your quota, you don't get 40% of your commission—you might get 0%. This "Kill Zone" is designed to filter out low performers quickly.
- Danger: Assuming linear payout.
- Reality: Exponential decay below 50%.
ACCELERATORS: THE WEALTH BUILDER
The math flips after 100%. "Accelerators" typically pay 1.5x, 2.0x, or even 3.0x on every dollar sold above quota. This is where the top 1% of reps make 50% of their annual income in Q4. Strategic reps "sandbag" deals to ensure they hit accelerators in a single quarter rather than spreading them thinly across two.
Tactical FAQ
TACTICAL Q&A
Q: What is a standard Base/Commission split?
Q: How do I spot a bad comp plan?
Q: Should I negotiate Base or OTE?
Q: What are SPIFFs?
Output Benchmarks
Master The System
This calculator is just one tactical step. The full strategy is documented in the core protocol.
Source Lesson
Sales Engineering: Sales Protocol