ToolsGoal calculator
Kickstarter goal calculator
Kickstarter is all or nothing. Set the goal too low and you can be funded and still lose money. This works out the lowest goal that pays for everything, then checks whether your audience can reach it.
Goal calculatorSet your goal at
$42,000
647 backers at $65.00. The lowest goal that covers everything is $41,730.
- Making rewards
- $11,28227%
- Shipping
- $7,52118%
- One-off costs
- $15,00036%
- Buffer
- $3,3808%
- Kickstarter fees
- $3,4478%
- Failed payments
- $1,2603%
What you keep, by number of backers
Past the 20% line. Your list and followers should bring about 190 backers, 29% of the goal. Kickstarter says 79% of projects that pass 20% of their goal get funded.
No goal works yet
Includes a 10% buffer and 3% of payments failing. Change them in Advanced. USD rates: 3% + $0.30 a pledge, 5% + $0.08 under $10. Checked 20 October 2026.
How the goal is worked out.
- 1Add up what it costs
Every reward you make and ship, plus the one-off costs, plus a buffer.
- 2Take off what you never see
Kickstarter’s 5%, payment processing on each pledge, and payments that fail.
- 3Find the break-even backer
The first backer count where what’s left covers every cost. That’s your goal.
- 4Check it against your audience
How much of that goal your own list and followers are likely to bring.
Questions.
What happens if a Kickstarter doesn’t reach its goal?
Nobody is charged and you receive nothing. Kickstarter is all or nothing: backers’ cards are only charged if the campaign reaches its goal by the deadline. Many creators then relaunch with a lower goal and a stronger page.
How much does Kickstarter take from my goal?
Kickstarter takes 5% of the money collected, plus payment processing on every pledge (3% + $0.30 in the US). The calculator adds both to the goal.
How many backers do I need to hit my goal?
Divide the goal by your average pledge. The calculator shows that number and how much of it your email list and followers are likely to bring.
Should I set a low goal to get funded fast?
Low enough to fund early, never lower than your costs. A goal reached in the first days looks like momentum to new visitors. A goal below your costs means you can be funded and still owe more than you raised. The lowest safe goal is the one this calculator finds.
Can I change my goal after launch?
No. Kickstarter fixes the goal and the deadline once the campaign goes live, so get it right before you press launch.
How do I know my goal is right?
Kickstarter suggests two tests. Could you make and deliver everything if you raised exactly your goal? And would missing it by 10% hurt? If the first answer is no, the goal is too low. If missing by 10% would be fine, it may be too high.
What is a typical Kickstarter pledge?
Kickstarter’s Creator Handbook says the most popular pledge is $25. Your average will depend on your rewards: put your real tiers into Advanced and the calculator works it out.
What if some backers’ payments fail after I hit my goal?
Kickstarter still sends you the money that was collected, even if failed payments leave you below the goal, and you still have to deliver to every backer who paid. That’s why the calculator adds a few percent for payments that fail.
Should shipping be in my goal?
Only if backers pay it inside their pledge. Many creators charge shipping later, in a pledge manager, once they know where everyone lives. Turn on “Charge shipping later” and shipping drops out of the goal.
What is a stretch goal on Kickstarter?
A target above your goal that unlocks something extra, like a new colour or an upgrade. Kickstarter doesn’t track them; they are a promise you make on your page. Cost each one the same way: the extra money must pay for the extra thing.