Music Business
Compare a show guarantee to a door split across attendance scenarios.
Estimate which deal yields the better payout.
Live music venues offer artists payment in different formats: a guaranteed flat fee or a percentage split of door revenue (ticket sales). Artists must decide which arrangement maximizes earnings for each show based on factors like expected attendance, ticket price, venue size, and promotional reach. A guarantee provides certainty but may underpay if turnout exceeds expectations. A door split offers upside potential but carries risk if attendance is low. This calculator compares both scenarios to help artists and promoters determine the most profitable arrangement, essential for touring musicians negotiating show contracts.
Input the guaranteed payment offer, expected ticket price, expected attendance estimate, and the door split percentage offered (typically 50/80/90 split to artist). The calculator computes total revenue from ticket sales, calculates the artist's share under the door split arrangement, and compares it to the guaranteed amount. It shows the break-even point (attendance needed for door split to exceed guarantee) and projects earnings across different attendance scenarios, helping artists make data-driven decisions about which payment structure to accept.
Door Split Earnings = (Expected Attendance × Ticket Price × Split Percentage). Compare this to Guaranteed Amount. Break-even Attendance = Guarantee ÷ (Ticket Price × Split Percentage). Choose arrangement with higher projected earnings based on realistic attendance estimates.
Common splits are 80/20 (artist gets 80%), 70/30, 60/40, or 50/50 depending on the venue's policies and the artist's draw. Well-established venues may offer 80/20 to established acts. Starting venues often propose 50/50. Always negotiate—there's usually room to improve terms, especially if you're promoting actively.
It depends on your confidence in ticket sales and venue attendance history. If you're confident you'll draw a large crowd and can promote effectively, a door split may earn more. If you're uncertain or new to a venue, a reasonable guarantee provides financial security. Use this calculator to compare scenarios for your specific situation.
This is a risk with door splits. Negotiate transparent payment terms: request point-of-sale system visibility, credit card receipt documentation, or a third-party witness. Established venues have reputation incentives to be honest. Smaller venues may have legitimate cash accounting challenges—discuss systems upfront.
Absolutely. Promoters are often flexible, especially if you bring significant promotional reach or audience. If you're promoting heavily and expect high attendance, approaching the promoter about a door split instead of guarantee may be welcome if it incentivizes you to drive sales.
