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Bolt Earnings Calculator
Business • 2026 • Global Calculator

Bolt Earnings Calculator

Calculate your real hourly profit after Bolt commission, fleet partner fees, fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and taxes. Compare Bolt vs Uber margins.

Inputs

Enter your Bolt driving details

Region & Units

Earnings

Vehicle & Fuel

Fleet Partner (Optional)

Monthly Fixed Costs

Tax/VAT

Results

Real Profit Analysis

Profitable

Real Hourly Rate: PLN 22.44/hour

Profit Margin: 39.9%

Total Gross IncomePLN 2,250.00
• Gross FarePLN 2,000.00
• TipsPLN 100.00
• BonusesPLN 150.00
After Bolt CommissionPLN 1,850.00
Total ExpensesPLN 1,352.50
Net ProfitPLN 897.50

Hourly Rates

Gross RatePLN 56.25/hr
Real RatePLN 22.44/hr
DifferencePLN 33.81/hr

Expense Breakdown

Bolt CommissionPLN 400.00
Fleet Partner FeePLN 172.86
Fuel/EnergyPLN 421.60
DepreciationPLN 80.00
MaintenancePLN 100.00
InsurancePLN 66.67
OtherPLN 33.33
Tax/VATPLN 78.04
Cost per kmPLN 1.69
Calculator inputs stay on your device (local processing).

Disclaimer: All calculators on this website are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only. The results do not constitute professional advice (including legal, tax, financial, medical, or other advice). Despite careful programming, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the results. For matters requiring professional advice, we recommend consulting an appropriate specialist (e.g., a tax advisor, lawyer, accountant, or physician).

1

How This Calculator Works

Enter your total gross fare from the Bolt app, tips, bonuses/incentives, total hours online (including waiting time), and total distance driven. Select your region for default currency and fuel prices, choose metric (km) or imperial (miles) units, and enter your vehicle's fuel consumption. Set your Bolt commission rate (typically 15-25% depending on market). If you work with a fleet partner, toggle that option and enter the fixed weekly fee and/or percentage fee. Add your monthly fixed costs (maintenance, insurance, other expenses) and the number of days you worked. The calculator subtracts Bolt's commission, calculates fleet partner fees (if applicable), factors in fuel costs, vehicle depreciation, prorates your monthly expenses, calculates taxes, and shows your real hourly profit rate.
2

Calculation Methodology

Our calculator uses comprehensive expense tracking to determine your real hourly profit:

  • Bolt Commission: Gross Fare × Commission Rate (typically 15-25%, varies by market)
  • Fleet Partner Fee: (Weekly Fixed Fee ÷ 7 × Days Worked) + (Gross Fare × Partner %) - only if you work with a fleet partner
  • Fuel Cost: Calculated based on distance, consumption (L/100km), and fuel price per liter
  • Depreciation: Distance × Depreciation Rate ($0.10/km default)
  • Fixed Costs: Monthly expenses (maintenance, insurance, other) prorated by days worked ÷ 30
  • Tax/VAT: (Net Income - Expenses) × Tax Rate
  • Real Hourly Rate: (Gross Fare + Tips + Bonuses - Total Expenses) ÷ Total Hours Online

Tips and bonuses are not subject to Bolt commission or fleet partner fees. Total Hours Online includes both active driving and waiting time.

Bolt Earnings Calculator 2026: How Much Can You Really Make?

Driving for Bolt is often marketed as a high-income opportunity, but the numbers in your app aren't the numbers in your bank account. Our Bolt Earnings Calculator is the first tool designed to handle the complex 'Fleet Partner' structures common in Europe and Africa. Calculate your real hourly rate and see if Bolt is more profitable for you than Uber or local taxi services. Most drivers only see their gross fare—this tool reveals your real hourly rate after commission, fleet partner fees, fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and taxes.

Bolt vs. Uber: Which Platform Pays Drivers More?

In 2026, the battle for drivers is fiercer than ever. While Uber has the volume, Bolt often wins on driver margins.

Lower Commission

In many markets, Bolt's commission starts at 15-20%, compared to Uber's standard 25%. This means you keep more of every fare.

Example: On a $100 fare, Bolt at 20% commission leaves you with $80, while Uber at 25% leaves you with $75—a $5 difference per ride.

Transparent Pricing

Bolt often avoids hidden "booking fees" that don't go to the driver, meaning your percentage of the total passenger price is higher.

While Uber may charge passengers extra fees that don't appear in your commission calculation, Bolt's pricing is typically more straightforward.

Bonus Schemes

Bolt's "Incentives" (e.g., Complete 40 rides for an extra $100) are often easier to hit in dense urban areas.

These bonuses can significantly boost your real hourly rate. Our calculator includes a bonus field so you can see their true impact on your bottom line.

Understanding the Fleet Partner Model

If you are driving in a market like Poland, Romania, or the UK, you might be working under a Fleet Partner. This adds an extra layer of costs that standard calculators ignore.

Fixed Fees

Many partners charge a weekly "administrative fee" (e.g., 50 PLN or £10 per week). This fee is prorated based on how many days you worked.

Example: If you pay 50 PLN/week and work 20 days in a month, you'll pay approximately 142 PLN for that month (50 ÷ 7 × 20).

Percentage Fees

Some partners charge an additional percentage (typically 1-2%) on top of your gross fare, in addition to Bolt's commission.

This is calculated on your gross fare before Bolt's commission is deducted, so it compounds with platform fees.

VAT Settlements

Depending on your country, the partner may handle your VAT (e.g., 8% or 23% in Poland), which impacts your final take-home pay.

Our calculator includes a tax/VAT field so you can factor in these regional differences.

Fuel Cards

Some partners provide fuel discounts through fleet fuel cards. You can factor these savings into your fuel cost calculations.

If your partner offers a 5% fuel discount, simply reduce your fuel cost per liter/gallon by that percentage in the calculator.

3 Pro Tips to Maximize Bolt Profits

1. Target the 'Green' Category

With many cities introducing Zero Emission Zones in 2026, Bolt Green often has higher rates and lower wait times.

Strategy: If you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, prioritize Bolt Green rides. The premium pricing can increase your real hourly rate by 15-25% compared to standard Bolt rides.

2. Avoid 'Dead' Areas

Use the heat map in the Bolt Driver app, but pay attention to the Estimated Time to Pickup. If you're driving more than 3km to a pickup, you're losing money.

Strategy: Focus on high-demand areas where you can minimize dead mileage. Every kilometer driven without a passenger reduces your real hourly rate.

3. Track Your Hourly Floor

If your net profit drops below the local Minimum Wage + 20%, it's time to switch areas or platforms.

Strategy: Use this calculator regularly to track your real hourly rate. If it consistently falls below a sustainable threshold, consider changing your strategy, switching to a different platform, or reducing your fleet partner fees by negotiating a better deal.

How We Calculate: The Math Behind Real Bolt Earnings

Our calculator uses comprehensive expense tracking to determine your real hourly profit:

1. Bolt Commission

Bolt Commission = Gross Fare × Commission Rate (typically 15-25%)

Bolt's commission is calculated on your gross fare. Tips and bonuses are not subject to commission.

2. Fleet Partner Fee

Fleet Partner Fee = (Weekly Fixed Fee ÷ 7 × Days Worked) + (Gross Fare × Partner %)

If you work with a fleet partner, this fee is calculated separately from Bolt's commission. The fixed fee is prorated based on days worked.

Note: Fleet partner fees vary significantly by market. In some regions, drivers work independently and pay no fleet fees.

3. Fuel/Energy Cost

Metric: Fuel Cost = (Distance × Consumption L/100km) ÷ 100 × Price per Liter
Imperial: Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per Gallon

For electric vehicles, replace fuel with energy (kWh) and price per kWh.

4. Vehicle Depreciation

Depreciation = Distance × Depreciation Rate per km/mile

Default rates: $0.10/km ($0.16/mile) for metric, $0.16/mile for imperial. Rideshare driving accelerates depreciation due to increased wear-and-tear.

This accounts for the reduced resale value of your vehicle due to high mileage and commercial use.

5. Fixed Costs (Prorated)

Prorated Cost = Monthly Cost × (Days Worked ÷ 30)

Maintenance, insurance, and other fixed costs are prorated based on how many days you worked in the month.

6. Tax/VAT

Tax = (Total Income - Expenses) × Tax Rate

Tax is calculated on your net income after all business expenses. Tax rates vary by country and region.

7. Real Hourly Rate

Real Hourly Rate = (Gross Fare + Tips + Bonuses - Total Expenses) ÷ Total Hours Online

This is your true take-home rate after all business expenses. Compare this to minimum wage in your area to see if driving is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Does Bolt take commission on tips?

No. Like most major platforms, 100% of the tips provided via the app go directly to the driver's balance. Tips are not subject to Bolt's commission or fleet partner fees.

Q:What is the 'Booking Fee' on Bolt?

Unlike Uber, Bolt's booking fees are often lower or non-existent in certain regions, making the fare more attractive to riders and more profitable for you. The booking fee (if any) is typically included in the gross fare shown in your app, and Bolt's commission is calculated on that total amount.

Q:How often does Bolt pay out?

Standard payouts are weekly (usually on Mondays/Tuesdays), but many regions now support 'Early Payouts' for a small flat fee. Check your Bolt Driver app for payout schedules specific to your market.

Q:Do I have to work with a fleet partner?

No. In many markets, you can drive independently without a fleet partner. However, in some regions (especially in Europe), fleet partners are common and may be required for certain vehicle categories or licensing requirements. If you work independently, simply leave the fleet partner fee fields at zero in the calculator.

Q:How do Bolt bonuses work?

Bolt offers various incentive programs such as 'Complete 40 rides this week for a $100 bonus' or 'Drive during peak hours for 1.5x fare multiplier.' These bonuses are paid separately from your regular fares and are not subject to commission. Always factor bonuses into your calculations, as they can significantly boost your real hourly rate.

Q:Is Bolt more profitable than Uber?

It depends on your market and circumstances. Bolt typically has lower commission rates (15-25% vs Uber's 25%), which can mean higher margins. However, Uber often has higher ride volume in many markets. Use our calculator to compare both platforms with your actual numbers to see which is more profitable for you.

Q:Can I deduct these expenses on my taxes?

Yes, in most jurisdictions, rideshare drivers can deduct business expenses including fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and a portion of insurance. However, tax laws vary by country and region. Consult with a tax professional in your area for specific guidance on what you can deduct.

Q:What's a good profit margin for Bolt driving?

A healthy profit margin is typically 40-60% of gross earnings. If your profit margin is below 30%, you may be operating at a loss when you factor in your time. Use this calculator regularly to track your margins and adjust your strategy if needed.