What percentage does a beat maker get?
Beat makers typically receive 15%–30% of the composition when selling or licensing a beat. The exact percentage depends on the deal structure and whether the beat is leased or sold exclusively.
Lease vs. exclusive
A leased beat means the beat maker retains ownership and licenses usage rights. An exclusive sale means the beat maker transfers full ownership to the buyer. In exclusive deals with co-ownership, the beat maker typically receives 20%–30% of the composition.
Common ranges
- Beat lease (non-exclusive): beat maker retains 100% ownership, artist gets usage rights
- Exclusive sale (work-for-hire): 0% — all rights transfer for a flat fee
- Exclusive with co-ownership: 15%–30% depending on contribution
- Full co-production: 30%–50% if the beat maker shaped the full arrangement
Ready to run the numbers?
Open the calculatorHow to decide
Use the producer split calculator to estimate a fair percentage. Consider the beat maker’s contribution to melody, chords, and arrangement — not just the drum pattern.
How to document it
For co-ownership: create a split sheet. For work-for-hire: use a work-for-hire agreement. For leases: a separate beat license agreement is typically used.
Estimate the beat maker’s share
Use the calculator to determine a fair starting point.
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Continue your workflow
Use these tools to put what you learned into practice.
Producer Split Calculator
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Create agreementMusic Split Calculator
Calculate ownership splits using equal, manual, or weighted methods.
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