Patreon vs Substack Earnings Comparison Calculator
Compare what a creator keeps from paying members on Patreon versus Substack after platform fees, payment processing and payout charges.
Compare Your Options And Get Clear Answers
Compare what a creator keeps from paying members on Patreon versus Substack after platform fees, payment processing and payout charges.
Patreon vs Substack Earnings Comparison Estimator
Enter your numbers below for an instant estimate.
How It Works
Key concepts behind this calculator
Gross Revenue
Members × monthly price.
Fees
Platform percentage plus processing percentage plus fixed fee per payment.
Net
Gross revenue minus fees.
Use As A Guide
Results are estimates based on your inputs. Check real quotes, rates and professional advice before deciding.
Creator Platform Features
General features. Check current terms.
| Feature | Patreon | Substack | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform fee | About 8 – 12% | 10% | Similar |
| Email newsletter | Basic | Core feature | Substack |
| Tiers and perks | Strong | Basic | Patreon |
| Discovery | Limited | Network | Substack |
| Podcasts/video | Supported | Supported | Both |
| Rule of Thumb | Fees ≈ 13 – 15% total | Higher price helps | Own your list |
Patreon vs Substack Calculator FAQ
Answers to common questions about this calculator.
Both charge a platform fee around 10% plus payment processing, so totals are similar. Check current plans.
Yes. The fixed fee per payment is a bigger share of a low subscription price.
Substack lets you export your email list; Patreon supports moving members with limits.
They are defaults. Update them.