Rex says
Money math without the spreadsheet headache. Plug in your numbers and I'll show you exactly where the dollars land.
Try a scenario
Click to load — tweak from there.Inputs
Result
Statutory executor fee
$15,000
Effective rate on estate
2.50%
Remaining for distribution
$585,000
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How to use this
- 1Enter gross estate value (probate assets) ($).
- 2Enter executor waiving fee?.
- 3Read your statutory executor fee on the right — it updates as you type.
- 4Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone.
About this calculator
Many states set executor compensation on a statutory percentage-of-estate sliding scale rather than a flat rate. A common structure, similar to California's Probate Code 10800, charges 4% on the first $100,000, 3% on the next $100,000, 2% on the next $800,000, 1% on the next $9 million, and 0.5% above that, calculated on the gross value of the estate subject to probate (not net of debts). Some states instead use a 'reasonable compensation' standard with no fixed schedule, and family members serving as executor often waive the fee entirely, especially for smaller estates, both to simplify tax treatment (executor fees are taxable income, an inheritance is not) and to avoid friction with other heirs. This calculator applies the statutory sliding scale to your estate's gross value and shows the total fee, letting you compare it against a flat percentage alternative some states or wills specify instead.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Gross estate value (probate assets): 600000 $
- Executor waiving fee?: No — take statutory fee
Results
- Statutory executor fee: $15,000
- Effective rate on estate: 2.50%
- Remaining for distribution: $585,000
What each field means
Inputs
- Gross estate value (probate assets) ($)
- The gross estate value (probate assets) used in the calculation, measured in $. Starts at 600000 $ so you have a working example on load.
- Executor waiving fee?
- Pick the option that matches your situation — the maths changes per option. Choices: No — take statutory fee, Yes — waived (fee = 0).
Results
- Statutory executor fee
- Returned as a money amount in US dollars and shown as the headline result. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
- Effective rate on estate
- Returned as a percentage. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
- Remaining for distribution
- Returned as a money amount in US dollars. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
FAQ
Is the fee calculated on gross or net estate value?
Most statutory schedules, including California's, calculate the fee on the gross value of assets subject to probate before subtracting mortgages or other debts, which can make the effective fee on the net equity much higher than the headline percentage suggests for a heavily leveraged estate.
Do all states use a percentage schedule?
No, several states use a 'reasonable compensation' standard reviewed by the probate court instead of a fixed formula, considering factors like estate complexity, time spent, and any litigation. Check your specific state's probate code since the percentage schedule here is illustrative of the common approach, not universal.
Is the executor fee taxable?
Yes, to the executor as ordinary income, unlike an inheritance which generally isn't taxable to the recipient. Family member executors often waive the fee specifically to avoid this tax hit, especially when they're also inheriting a share of the estate anyway.
Can the will specify a different fee?
Yes, a will can set a specific compensation amount or method that overrides the statutory schedule, and courts generally honor it unless it's unconscionably high or the named executor declines to serve under those terms, defaulting back to the statutory rate.
Accuracy and limitations
- Results are estimates before tax, fees, and inflation unless an input explicitly covers them.
- Rates are treated as fixed for the whole period — variable-rate products will drift from this projection.
- This is educational maths, not financial advice. Check anything contractual with the lender or your accountant.
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Cite this calculator
Writing about this topic? Grab a citation — every link helps keep these tools free.
RevenueLab. (2026). Estate Executor Fee Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/estate-executor-fee
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/estate-executor-fee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Estate Executor Fee Calculator — RevenueLab</a> (2026).</p>
Source: [Estate Executor Fee Calculator — RevenueLab](https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/estate-executor-fee) (2026).