There is no fixed per-stream rate
Streaming services generally pay out from a pool of revenue shared according to each artist’s share of total streams, so the effective payout per stream changes by platform, country, subscription tier and month. A figure of a fraction of a cent per stream is a common ballpark, which is why the default is $0.004, but your real rate should come from your distributor’s statements.
For that reason the per-stream rate is an input. Use the average you see in your reports. If you earn from several platforms, calculate the blended average across them.
Splits and distributor cuts
Many songs are shared between writers, performers and producers. Enter your percentage ownership in the split field. If your distributor takes a percentage of revenue, enter it in the distributor field. Some distributors charge a flat yearly fee rather than a percentage, in which case leave that field at zero and subtract the fee from your yearly total.
What it takes to earn a living
The tool shows earnings per 1,000 streams and the number of monthly streams needed for your income goal. At typical rates, a meaningful income needs very large stream counts, so many artists combine streaming with live shows, merchandise, sync licensing and direct fan support. Remember that royalties are income and may be taxable in your country.