How we calculate YouTube revenue
AdSense revenue depends on the views that show an ad, the niche's CPM, and the 55% creator split on long-form videos.
Use the YouTube Revenue CalculatorFormula
monetized views = views × monetization rate
revenue = (monetized views ÷ 1,000) × CPM × creator share
Variables
- views
- Views in the period analyzed.
- CPM
- Amount paid per thousand ad impressions in the channel's niche and region.
- niche
- Adjusts the CPM: finance and tech pay more than entertainment.
Step-by-step calculation
- We estimate the fraction of views that actually display ads.
- We apply the niche CPM per thousand monetized views.
- We apply the platform's revenue share.
Worked example
Inputs
- 500,000 views
- CPM of $6
- 55% share
Calculation
500 × 6 = 3,000
3,000 × 0.55
About $1,650 before taxes, assuming 100% monetization.
Common mistakes
- Confusing CPM (what the advertiser pays) with RPM (what the channel earns per thousand views).
- Ignoring seasonality: CPMs drop in January and rise toward year-end.
Frequently asked questions
Do memberships and Super Chat count?
No. The model only covers ad revenue.
All values are in US dollars (US$). Results are estimates and do not replace professional advice.