THE ESSENTIAL by SIMON & GARFUNKEL has sold 1,023,330 copies in 8 countries. The album sold best in United States (500,000 copies), Australia (140,000 copies) and Germany (100,000 copies).
THE ESSENTIAL certifications and sales
| Country / region | Sales | Certification / source | Certification date / sales as of | |
 Australia |
140,000 | 2x Platinum |
Australia Sales: 140,000
Certification / note: 2x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of:
|
|
 Canada |
66,000 | Soundscan | 2014 |
Canada Sales: 66,000
Certification / note: Soundscan
Certification Date / sales as of: 2014
|
 Finland |
17,330 | IFPI Finland |
Finland Sales: 17,330
Certification / note: IFPI Finland
Certification Date / sales as of:
|
|
 Germany |
100,000 | 1x Gold | December 2022 |
Germany Sales: 100,000
Certification / note: 1x Gold
Certification Date / sales as of: December 2022
|
 Norway |
40,000 | 1x Platinum | 2004 |
Norway Sales: 40,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 2004
|
 Sweden |
60,000 | 1x Platinum | 12 March, 2004 |
Sweden Sales: 60,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 12 March, 2004
|
 United Kingdom |
100,000 | 1x Gold | 19 December, 2003 |
United Kingdom Sales: 100,000
Certification / note: 1x Gold
Certification Date / sales as of: 19 December, 2003
|
 United States |
500,000 | 1x Platinum | 5 February, 2005 |
United States Sales: 500,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 5 February, 2005
|
| Total sales | 1,023,330 | (in 8 countries) |
Total
Sales: 1,023,330
(in 8 countries)
|
Year-end chart performance for THE ESSENTIAL
| Chart 2003 | Rank | Sales |
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) |
32 | >30,000 |
| UK Artist Albums |
91 | 200,000 |
| Chart 2004 | Rank | Sales |
 Danish Albums (Hitlisten) |
33 | |
| Finnish Albums (Suomen Virallinen Lista) |
56 | 17,039 |
| UK Artist Albums |
182 | 102,000 |
| Chart 2009 | Rank | Sales |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) |
88 |