Online Course Revenue Calculator
See what one course could earn per month on Udemy, Skillshare and your own Thinkific site.
How each platform pays course creators
| Platform | How you're paid | Who brings students |
|---|---|---|
| Udemy | 37% of organic marketplace sales; 97% of sales from your own coupon links | Mostly Udemy |
| Skillshare | A share of a monthly royalty pool based on minutes watched | Skillshare |
| Thinkific | You keep 100% of sales minus payment processing and your plan fee | You |
The calculator shows the trade-off. Marketplaces take a big cut but supply the buyers. Your own Thinkific site keeps almost everything, but every sale depends on the audience you build. Many creators do both: a Udemy course for discovery and a premium version on Thinkific for students who want more.
Frequently asked questions
How much can you make selling an online course?
Most first courses earn $50–$500 a month. Courses in strong niches with an audience behind them can earn thousands. Results depend on the topic, the quality and how much you promote it.
Is Udemy or Thinkific better for a first course?
Udemy suits creators with no audience because it supplies buyers. Thinkific suits creators who already have an email list or social following and want to keep more of each sale.
How does Skillshare calculate teacher pay?
Skillshare pools a share of subscription revenue each month and splits it among teachers by premium minutes watched, so longer watch time means more pay.