Is Lyft cheaper to drive for than Uber?

It varies by city. Run both calculators with your real numbers and compare the true $/hr.

Should I add a second platform?

Use the 'what-if' simulator on the home page to model adding hours on another app.

Do I need to file quarterly?

In the US, if you'll owe over $1,000 in tax, the IRS expects quarterly estimated payments. Use the tax reserve number.

Free calculator

Lyft Driver Earnings Calculator

Plug in a typical shift to see exactly what you take home after Lyft's cut, gas, vehicle wear, and self-employment tax.

Premium: skip the typing. Import a CSV export from Uber, DoorDash, Instacart and more.

These are estimates only. Platform fees, tax rates, mileage deductions and expenses vary significantly by location, time and your specific situation.

For the most accurate picture, update every number from your actual earnings statements. This tool is for educational purposes and is not official tax or financial advice — consult a tax professional when needed.

1Select your platforms

2Your numbers

Lyft~20–25% service fee (variable)

Hours

Gross $

Expenses $

Gas only (mileage below)

Lyft Service Fee (%) — Varies by trip

✏️ Edit to match your real numbers — check your weekly statement.

Miles driven

Standard rate: $0.70/mi — ✏️ edit miles from your odometer or app summary

Deduction

$0.00

3Tax location

Self-employment 15.3% + ~14% effective federal/state

✏️ Edit to match your real numbers — your actual effective rate depends on total income, deductions and filing status.

4Unpaid time (prep, commute)

hrs

Hours worked that platforms don't pay for

5"What if" — add hours

+0 hrs

Your real take-home

$196.28

After fees, expenses & est. taxes

Your true hourly rate is an estimate. Small changes to fees or expenses can meaningfully impact the result — edit each field to match your real numbers.

True hourly

$8.92/hr

App says $26.00/hr

Profit margin

37.7%

Tight

Gross earnings: $520.00
Platform fees: −$119.60
Expenses: −$120.00
Est. tax reserve: −$84.12
Net after tax: $196.28

Shift date

Free up to 5 saves/mo. No card required.

Save this result — free

Don't lose this $8.92/hr calculation.

Create a free account to save this shift, track your true hourly across every gig, and get a free quarterly tax-reserve email — so April never surprises you.

✓Save up to 5 shifts a month — free, no card
✓Weekly & monthly trend charts across platforms
✓Quarterly tax-reserve email reminders

Already a member? Log in

Your shift, in your dashboard

Net take-home: $196.28
True $/hr: $8.92
Hours tracked: 22.0

Without an account, this disappears the moment you close the tab.

Estimates only. Platform fees, tax rates and expenses vary by location and situation. Edit any field to match your real numbers. For tax decisions, consult a tax professional.

What we factor in

Lyft service fee (~20–25%) automatically deducted from gross
Add tips into the gross — they're not fee'd
Adjust expense per shift to reflect your gas + maintenance
Compare to Uber by toggling both platforms on the home calculator

Frequently asked

Is Lyft cheaper to drive for than Uber?: It varies by city. Run both calculators with your real numbers and compare the true $/hr.
Should I add a second platform?: Use the 'what-if' simulator on the home page to model adding hours on another app.
Do I need to file quarterly?: In the US, if you'll owe over $1,000 in tax, the IRS expects quarterly estimated payments. Use the tax reserve number.

More calculators