Rideshare Earnings Calculator
Calculate true earnings for Uber and Lyft after all vehicle costs and taxes.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1.Enter your average gross hourly rate from the app
- 2.Add your weekly driving hours
- 3.Enter your vehicle's MPG
- 4.See your true earnings after all costs
Understanding Rideshare Costs
The Gross vs. Net Gap: The earnings you see in your Uber or Lyft app are gross earnings. Vehicle costs can eat 30-50% of your apparent income. This calculator shows what you actually take home.
Dead Miles Matter: Time spent driving to pickups or repositioning generates no income but costs money. Urban drivers typically have 15-25% dead miles; suburban drivers can see 30-40%.
Vehicle Choice is Crucial: A fuel-efficient hybrid can save $2-4/hour compared to a sedan getting 25 MPG. Over a year of part-time driving, that can mean thousands of dollars.
Common Questions
What is my true hourly rate as a rideshare driver?
Your true hourly rate = Gross earnings - Gas - Depreciation - Maintenance - Self-employment tax (15.3%). Most drivers see 30-50% of their gross evaporate to these costs. A driver earning $25/hr gross may net only $12-15/hr.
How much does driving for Uber/Lyft cost per mile?
Total cost is typically $0.30-0.60/mile including gas ($0.10-0.20), depreciation ($0.15-0.25), and maintenance ($0.05-0.10). The IRS mileage deduction rate for 2026 is $0.725/mile, which accounts for all these costs.
What car is best for rideshare driving?
Fuel-efficient hybrids (Toyota Prius, Honda Insight) are ideal - 40-55 MPG saves $2-4/hour vs. 25 MPG sedans. A used hybrid can save thousands annually. Avoid expensive vehicles with high depreciation and repair costs.
Should I track mileage or actual expenses for taxes?
Most rideshare drivers benefit from the standard mileage deduction ($0.725/mile for 2026). Actual expenses method is better if you have a very fuel-efficient car with low maintenance. You can only choose one method per year.
Is Uber or Lyft better for drivers?
Pay rates are generally similar. Many drivers run both apps simultaneously to minimize downtime. Test both in your market - demand and surge pricing can vary. Lyft sometimes offers better bonuses for new drivers.
How many hours should I drive per week?
Part-time (15-20 hours during peak times) often yields the best per-hour returns. Full-time driving increases wear on your vehicle and can lead to burnout. Focus on high-demand hours: rush hours, weekend nights, events.
What are dead miles and why do they matter?
Dead miles are miles driven without a passenger (to pickups, between areas). They cost gas and depreciation but earn nothing. Track your dead mile percentage - if it is over 30%, consider repositioning strategies.
Do I need special insurance for rideshare?
Yes. Regular personal auto insurance may not cover accidents while driving for Uber/Lyft. You need rideshare endorsement or commercial coverage. Check with your insurer - gaps in coverage can be financially devastating.
Methodology & Limits
How it works
This calculator calculates a driving & delivery scenario from your inputs, then surfaces the result as decision-oriented numbers.
Assumptions
Uses current tax rates, vehicle costs assumptions where relevant.
Use it as a screen
Treat the output as a planning estimate. Share the current scenario URL when you want to revisit or compare assumptions. Validate the numbers with real payouts, costs, deadlines, and local rules before committing money.
Next action
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