Ed Sheeran is obsessed with his sales figures.

The 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker admits it isn't very ''artistic'' to take such an interest in the business side of his career, but he wants to know how well he is doing and insists it is a common attitude among artists today.

He said: ''I know it's not very artistic, being into the way things work. But I want to know the numbers.

''We're all like that. Drake's like that. Taylor Swift knows everything about everything.''

The 'Drunk' hitmaker also confessed to obsessing over how his promotional TV appearances affect his record sales.

Discussing what he would do after appearing on 'The X Factor', he said: ''I'll be refreshing iTunes. Seeing where the song is. Of course, what's the f***ing point otherwise?

''Every TV show, big or small, I've always looked at the reaction. And compared it to whoever was on the week before.''

The 23-year-old singer is also careful about his finances and takes a keen interest in ensuring he is earning the rightful share of his sales.

He told Q magazine: ''Back in the day managers were crooks, record labels took 50 per cent, whereas now people are savvy.

''When I signed my deal, my manager, who used to work at Atlantic, said, 'I know the deal you gave to James Blunt last week so you'll give Ed exactly the same because I know you can.'

''Before it was, 'Record deal, cool, sign.' Pop stars nowadays are sensible. Because it doesn't last.

''Do your time, earn your money, buy some property and when it all goes to s**t you've got something to fall back on.''