gmvforgeTikTok Shop Fees Calculator (US)
By Dawood Azhar · Updated Oct 10, 2026Use this calculator to see what you keep from each TikTok Shop order in the US after the referral fee, creator commission, shipping, product cost and ad spend, and how much you can spend on ads per order before you lose money.
TikTok Shop fees in the US (2026)
- Referral fee: TikTok's public category rate table lists 6% for most categories and 5% for select jewelry and pre-owned items. Several seller publications reported an increase to 8% for most non-food categories from August 4, 2026; we could not find an official TikTok announcement, so check your rate in Seller Center or on your settlement statement.
- New sellers: sellers who make a first sale within 60 days of onboarding can get a 3% referral fee for 30 days (conditions apply).
- Fee basis: the referral fee is calculated on what the customer pays plus platform-funded discounts, excluding sales tax.
- Refunds: on refunds TikTok returns the referral fee but keeps 20% of it, capped at $5 per SKU.
- Not included: creator commissions, ads (GMV Max), samples and fulfillment are separate costs, and together they usually cost more than the referral fee.
This is a planning tool, not tax or accounting advice. Selling in Germany? Use the TikTok Shop Germany fee calculator (9% fee, VAT).
How to protect your margin
- Price products so referral fee, commission and ads still leave profit at a realistic return on ad spend.
- Use higher commissions only for creators with proven sales in your category.
- Set GMV Max ROI targets from your break-even ad spend above. See the GMV Max guide.
Get a free TikTok Shop auditAgency pricing
Free to use and cite; please link to this page.
Sources: OneCart: TikTok Shop seller fees 2026 · Be Bold Digital: reported 8% fee · WinningHunter: US fee breakdown
Frequently asked questions
What are TikTok Shop fees in the US?
The main fee is the referral fee: 6% for most categories in TikTok's public rate table (5% for select jewelry), with reports of an increase to 8% from August 2026. Check your exact rate in Seller Center. Creator commissions and ads are separate.
Is the referral fee charged on sales tax?
No. The referral fee is calculated on the customer payment plus platform-funded discounts, excluding sales tax.
Do new sellers pay lower fees?
New US sellers who make a first sale within 60 days of onboarding can get a 3% referral fee for 30 days, if they meet TikTok's conditions.
How do I calculate break-even ad spend?
Take revenue, subtract the referral fee, average creator commission, shipping and product cost. What is left is the most you can spend on ads per order without losing money.