THE BEST THAT I COULD DO 1978 - 1988 by JOHN MELLENCAMP has sold 3,300,000 copies in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and United States.
THE BEST THAT I COULD DO 1978 - 1988 certifications and sales
| Country / region | Sales | Certification / source | Certification date / sales as of | |
 Australia |
140,000 | 2x Platinum | NOVEMBER 1998 |
Australia Sales: 140,000
Certification / note: 2x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: NOVEMBER 1998
|
 Canada |
100,000 | 1x Platinum | 1998 |
Canada Sales: 100,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 1998
|
 United Kingdom |
60,000 | 1x Silver | 30 December, 2022 |
United Kingdom Sales: 60,000
Certification / note: 1x Silver
Certification Date / sales as of: 30 December, 2022
|
 United States |
3,000,000 | 3x Platinum | 19 March, 2002 |
United States Sales: 3,000,000
Certification / note: 3x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 19 March, 2002
|
| Total sales | 3,300,000 | (in 4 countries) |
Total
Sales: 3,300,000
(in 4 countries)
|
Year-end chart performance for THE BEST THAT I COULD DO 1978 - 1988
| Chart 1997 | Rank | Sales |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) |
52 | >70,000 |
| Chart 1998 | Rank | Sales |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) |
58 | |
| US Albums (Billboard 200) |
121 |