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- 20 batches in 25 hours with $12 average batch pay and $5 average tip grosses $340, or $13.60 an hour.
- After 160 miles at 76 cents ($121.60) and $10 of expenses, net profit is $208.40 a week, or $8.34 an hour.
- Net profit per batch is $10.42 and a batch takes about 1.25 hours.
- That is roughly $903 a month before tax.
How to use the Instacart earnings calculator
Enter hours and batches
Include shopping, checkout, delivery and waiting time between batches.
Enter batch pay and tips
Use your average batch payout and your average customer tip per batch.
Enter miles per batch
Count the drive to the store, between stores and to the customer. Add your cost per mile.
Add expenses and incentives
Insulated bags, phone data and parking are common costs. Add boosts or incentives in the advanced section.
Why batches vary in value
A large order with many items pays more but takes longer in the store. A small order near the store pays less but is quick. The best measure is net profit per hour, which accounts for shopping time and the miles you drive.
Instacart profit formula
Gross = batches × (batch pay + tip) + incentives
Vehicle cost = batches × miles per batch × cost per mile
Net profit = gross − vehicle cost − other expenses
Net pay per hour = net profit ÷ hours
The IRS standard business mileage rate is 76 cents per mile from July 1, 2026 (72.5 cents from January to June). It is a handy cost per mile, but your real cost may differ.
Worked example
A shopper works 25 hours, completes 20 batches, earns an average $12 batch pay and $5 tip, and drives 8 miles per batch.
- Batch pay (20 × $12) $240.00
- Tips (20 × $5) $100.00
- Gross pay $340.00
- Miles driven (20 × 8) 160
- Vehicle cost (160 × $0.76) −$121.60
- Other expenses −$10.00
- Weekly net profit $208.40
- Net pay per hour $8.34
- Monthly net profit (× 52 ÷ 12) $903.07
- Profit after 25% tax set-aside $156.30
The shopper grosses $13.60 an hour but nets $8.34 after the car and expenses. Fewer miles per batch would lift that quickly.
Instacart earnings FAQ
How much do Instacart shoppers make per hour?
It varies by market, store and batch size. Enter your own batches, pay and tips to see your gross and net pay per hour.
Are tips included in batch pay?
No. Batch pay is the payout from Instacart. Customer tips are added on top, so enter them separately.
Do I count shopping time as work time?
Yes. Count all the time you spend shopping, checking out, driving and waiting. Hours is the denominator for your net pay per hour.
What counts as a good batch?
A batch that gives you a high net profit per hour after miles and time, not only a high payout. The calculator shows net profit per batch to help you compare.
What cost per mile should I use?
The IRS business mileage rate is 76 cents per mile from July 1, 2026. Use your own figure if you know your real cost.
Is this an official Instacart tool?
No. It is an independent planning tool and is not affiliated with Instacart.
Good to know
Shoppers are paid per batch, but much of the time goes on picking items and waiting at checkout, not driving. A large order with few miles can pay less per hour than it looks, and a small order close by can pay more. Include store time in your hours so the result reflects the whole job.