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How to Calculate Pay Per Mile (Using the Real Distance)
The short answer: divide the offer pay by the total miles you'll drive: to the pickup, to the customer, and back to where you'll get your next order. Then subtract your car cost per mile to see profit per mile. Apps often show only part of the distance.
The formulas
Example
An offer pays $9 and shows 5 miles. Real trip: 3 miles to the restaurant, 5 to the customer, 4 back to a busy area = 12 miles.
- App view: $9 ÷ 5 = $1.80 a mile
- Real view: $9 ÷ 12 = 75¢ a mile
- After a 35¢ car cost: ($9 − $4.20) ÷ 12 = 40¢ profit a mile
Getting the real distance fast
- Check how far the pickup is from you before accepting.
- Look at where the drop-off is: a quiet area means a long drive back.
- Track a week of trips to learn your usual "extra" miles per order.
Pay per mile is one half of the picture; time is the other. See the dollar-per-mile rule and your real hourly pay.
FAQ
How do you calculate pay per mile?
Divide what you're paid by the total miles you drive for the order, including the drive to the pickup and back to a busy area.
What is a good profit per mile?
It depends on your costs and market. Profit per mile is pay per mile minus your car cost per mile; higher is better, and pay per hour matters too.
Sources: IRS 2026 mileage rates. General information for planning, not tax, legal or financial advice.
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