→For employees evaluating offers · managers budgeting bonus pools · anyone benchmarking pay
Bonus Calculator
Enter your base salary and bonus percentage — or a flat amount — to see your gross bonus, total annual compensation, and how your bonus compares to typical market ranges.
All figures are pre-tax gross amounts. Bonus payment timing depends on your employer's schedule.
Results are pre-tax estimates for general guidance only — not financial, legal, or tax advice. See disclaimer.
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How to calculate a performance bonus
A bonus calculator helps you see exactly what a bonus offer means in dollar terms, how it compares to your salary as a percentage, and what your total annual compensation looks like.
Percentage-based bonus
The most common calculation:
- Bonus amount = Base salary × (Bonus % ÷ 100)
- Total comp = Base salary + Bonus amount
A $75,000 salary with a 10% target bonus gives a bonus of $7,500 and a total annual compensation of $82,500.
Flat bonus
If your employer offers a fixed dollar amount rather than a percentage, switch to the "Flat amount" tab. The calculator will work backwards to show you what percentage that represents of your base salary, which is useful for benchmarking against market data.
What counts as a good bonus?
Context matters — industry, seniority, and company size all affect bonus norms. As a rough guide for individual contributors in the US:
- Below 5% — below average
- 5–10% — average for most professional roles
- 10–20% — strong, typical for senior individual contributors and some management
- 20%+ — exceptional or executive-level
The calculator shows a tier indicator based on your bonus percentage so you can benchmark instantly.
Target bonus vs actual payout
Most variable pay plans are based on a target that reflects 100% plan attainment. Actual payouts depend on individual and company performance and can range from zero to 200% of target. This calculator uses the target figure — treat it as your expected outcome, not a guarantee.
Bonus and total compensation
Always evaluate job offers on total compensation, not base salary alone. A $70,000 base with a 20% bonus ($14,000) offers $84,000 in target cash compensation — more than an $80,000 base with no bonus. The breakdown strip below the calculator shows how the bonus spreads across quarters, months, and pay periods if distributed throughout the year.
All figures are pre-tax gross estimates. Actual net pay after income tax and other deductions will be lower. Not financial or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
The most common method is a percentage of your base salary. A 10% bonus on a $75,000 salary equals $7,500. Some employers use flat amounts, profit-sharing pools, or tiered targets instead. Check your offer letter or compensation plan for the exact method.