What bits are worth on both sides
The streamer side is simple: every bit cheered pays exactly $0.01. A 1,000-bit cheer earns the streamer $10.00. Ten thousand bits earn $100.00. Twitch takes no cut from the streamer's share.
The viewer side depends on which pack you buy. Twitch sells six pack sizes in the US as of 2026:
| Pack | Price | Cost per bit |
|---|---|---|
| 100 bits | $1.40 | $0.01400 |
| 500 bits | $7.00 | $0.01400 |
| 1,500 bits | $19.95 | $0.01330 |
| 5,000 bits | $64.40 | $0.01288 |
| 10,000 bits | $126.00 | $0.01260 |
| 25,000 bits | $308.00 | $0.01232 |
One detail catches people out: there is no 1,000-bit pack. A viewer who wants exactly 1,000 bits buys two 500-packs and pays about $14.00 — while the streamer receives $10.00. The gap between those two numbers is Twitch's margin.
How streamers get paid
Each cheer credits the streamer's Twitch balance at $0.01 per bit, visible in the Channel Analytics and payout dashboard. Twitch pays out once the balance clears the payout threshold, on its regular payout schedule. Income tax applies as with any revenue — amounts vary by country and personal situation, so treat the $0.01 rate as gross, not net.
Why bigger packs are better value
The per-bit price falls as the pack grows: $0.0140 at 100 bits, $0.0133 at 1,500, and $0.0123 at 25,000. The biggest pack is roughly 12% cheaper per bit than the smallest. The first real discount step is the 1,500-bit pack at $19.95 — after that, savings per bit get smaller.
Bits vs subs vs third-party donations
Bits have one structural advantage over PayPal or Stripe donations: no chargeback risk for the streamer, because Twitch processes the payment and takes the hit on refunds. Subscriptions are recurring revenue with benefits attached, which makes them more predictable month to month. Bits work best for one-off support in the moment — a good cheer during a highlight, a raid thank-you, a milestone celebration. Most established streamers see the three as layers: subs for the base, bits for the spikes.
Working out any amount
For any cheer amount, the Twitch Bits to USD calculator shows both sides instantly — what the viewer pays using the best pack combination and what the streamer receives. To compare effective rates yourself, the percentage calculator handles the division.