What is EPC?
EPC (earnings per click) is the average amount you earn every time someone clicks your affiliate link. It is the single best number for comparing offers, because it combines commission size and conversion rate into one figure.
Monthly earnings = Clicks x EPC
Why a 50% commission can lose to a 10% one
A 50% commission on a $20 product that converts at 1% earns $0.10 per click. A 10% commission on a $400 product that converts at 2% earns $0.80 per click - eight times more for the same traffic. Always compare EPC, not commission rate.
Working backwards from a goal
Divide your income goal by EPC to see the traffic you need. If $3,000/month needs 50,000 clicks, you know whether the plan is realistic - and whether to find a higher-EPC offer first.
Where to find real conversion rates
Most affiliate networks show network-wide EPC on the offer page. Use it as a starting estimate, then replace it with your own numbers after a few hundred clicks - your audience will convert differently.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good EPC?
It depends on the niche. $0.10 - $0.50 is common for retail, while finance, software and dating offers often pay $1 - $5+ per click.
Is EPC shown per click or per 100 clicks?
Some networks (such as CJ) show EPC per 100 clicks. Divide by 100 to compare with this calculator.