According to Universal France, FIRST BAND ON THE MOON by THE CARDIGANS has sold 2,500,000 copies worldwide. The album sold best in United States (1,000,000 copies), Japan (427,200 copies) and Canada (100,000 copies).
FIRST BAND ON THE MOON certifications and sales
| Country / region | Sales | Certification / source | Certification date / sales as of | |
 Canada |
100,000 | 1x Platinum | 1998 |
Canada Sales: 100,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 1998
|
 Japan |
427,200 | 2x Platinum | April 1997 |
Japan Sales: 427,200
Certification / note: 2x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: April 1997
|
 Sweden |
40,000 | 1x Gold | 19 December, 1996 |
Sweden Sales: 40,000
Certification / note: 1x Gold
Certification Date / sales as of: 19 December, 1996
|
 United Kingdom |
100,000 | 1x Gold | 22 July, 2013 |
United Kingdom Sales: 100,000
Certification / note: 1x Gold
Certification Date / sales as of: 22 July, 2013
|
 United States |
1,000,000 | 1x Platinum | 6 August, 1997 |
United States Sales: 1,000,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 6 August, 1997
|
| Worldwide sales | 2,500,000 | Universal France |
Total
Sales: 2,500,000
Source: Universal France
|
Year-end chart performance for FIRST BAND ON THE MOON
| Chart 1996 | Rank | Sales |
| Japanese Albums (Oricon) |
63 | 427,200 |
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) |
60 | |
| Chart 1997 | Rank | Sales |
| US Albums (Billboard 200) |
137 |