YouTube

YouTube Money Calculator

Estimate your YouTube revenue based on views, country, niche, and content type. Our calculator uses real 2026 CPM data to give you accurate earning projections.

How This Is Calculated

How We Calculate Your YouTube Earnings

Our YouTube Money Calculator uses a transparent, data-driven formula to estimate your potential earnings:

Estimated Earnings = (Views ÷ 1,000) × CPM Rate

The CPM (Cost Per Mille) rate is adjusted based on three key factors:

  1. Country: We apply country-specific CPM multipliers based on advertiser spending data. US-based audiences command the highest CPM rates, while audiences in developing markets earn lower rates.
  2. Niche: Content category significantly impacts CPM. Finance and technology niches earn 1.5–1.8x higher CPM than entertainment or gaming content.
  3. Content Type: Long-form videos (8+ minutes) with mid-roll ads earn significantly more per view than YouTube Shorts, which have a separate, lower-paying revenue structure.

Important: These are estimates based on industry averages. Actual earnings vary based on audience engagement, ad blockers, seasonal advertiser demand, video length, and YouTube algorithm changes. This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee specific earnings.

Average YouTube CPM in 2026

YouTube remains the most lucrative platform for long-form content creators. In 2026, the average CPM across all niches in the United States sits between $5.40 and $10.80, with significant variations depending on content category and audience demographics. Globally, CPM rates range from as low as $0.50 in developing markets to over $30 in premium niches like finance and insurance.

The YouTube advertising ecosystem continues to grow, with total ad revenue surpassing $40 billion annually. This growth translates directly into higher earnings potential for creators who understand how to optimize their content for monetization.

YouTube CPM Rates by Country (2026)

Not all views are created equal on YouTube. The country where your audience is located dramatically affects your earnings:

CountryAverage CPMCPM RangeTypical Niche Variation
United States$8.00$4.00 – $15.00Finance up to $30+
United Kingdom$7.00$4.00 – $12.00Education strong at $10+
Canada$6.50$3.50 – $11.00Tech niches premium
Australia$6.00$3.00 – $10.00Health/fitness above avg
Germany$5.50$3.00 – $9.00Less competition = opportunity
France$4.50$2.50 – $8.00Lifestyle/travel popular
Japan$4.00$2.00 – $7.50Gaming/anime strong
Brazil$1.50$0.50 – $3.00High volume, lower CPM
India$0.80$0.30 – $2.00Massive audience potential
Indonesia$0.70$0.20 – $1.50Growing market

Curious how these rates compare to other platforms? Check out our TikTok Money Calculator and Instagram Earnings Calculator to see the difference – you might be surprised which platform pays more for your specific niche.

Best Niches for YouTube Monetization

Your content niche is one of the biggest factors in how much you earn per view. Here are the top-paying YouTube niches in 2026:

NicheAverage CPMWhy It Pays Well
Finance & Business$12 – $30+Financial services advertisers pay premium for high-intent audiences
Technology$8 – $20Tech buyers have high purchase intent and spending power
Education$6 – $15Engaged, intent-driven audiences valued by course/tool advertisers
Health & Fitness$5 – $12Supplement, equipment, and insurance companies compete for placement
Gaming & Entertainment$2 – $6Lower CPM but massive volume makes up for it

Can You Make a Full-Time Income on YouTube?

Let us do the math. Assuming a US-based audience with an average CPM of $8.00:

Monthly ViewsEstimated Monthly IncomeIncome Level
100,000 views$800Side income – covers bills but not a full salary
500,000 views$4,000Part-time income – livable in many cities
1,000,000 views$8,000Full-time income – comfortable living in most areas
5,000,000 views$40,000Professional creator – top-tier income

Remember: These figures are from ad revenue alone. Most successful YouTube creators also earn from sponsorships, merchandise, memberships, and affiliate marketing – often earning 2–5x their ad revenue from these additional streams.

Want to see how your earnings stack up on other platforms? Compare with our Twitch Income Calculator and OnlyFans Earnings Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does YouTube pay per 1,000 views?
YouTube pays between $0.50 and $15.00 per 1,000 views depending on your audience location, content niche, and engagement rate. The average CPM in the US is around $8.00.
What is the difference between CPM and RPM?
CPM (Cost Per Mille) is what advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions. RPM (Revenue Per Mille) is what you actually earn per 1,000 views after YouTube takes its 45% cut and factors in videos without ads.
How much do YouTube Shorts pay?
YouTube Shorts typically pay $0.03 to $0.07 per 1,000 views through the Shorts revenue sharing program, making them significantly lower-paying than long-form content.
How many views do you need to make $1,000 on YouTube?
At an average US CPM of $8.00, you would need approximately 125,000 views to earn $1,000. However, this varies widely by niche and audience location.