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Protect the margin

Markup vs margin calculator

Convert markup on cost to margin on selling price — they are not the same percent.

Calculator

Markup vs margin calculator

Live result

Enter values to see results update live.

Why this matters

  • Stop double-counting

    A 25% markup is not a 25% margin. Know the real margin before you commit.

  • Pricing discipline

    Tie menu and shelf prices to cost with a consistent rule.

  • Prepares for thin-margin checks

    Once you know margin percent, you can flag lines that are too tight.

Quick answers

What is the difference between markup and margin?

Markup is on cost; margin is on selling price. The same markup percent yields a lower margin percent.

Which should I use for pricing?

Many operators think in markup but should track margin. This tool bridges both.

What happens when cost rises?

Fixed markup percent gives you a higher dollar margin but a lower margin percent — rerun after each cost change.

Sources & citations

Formulas follow standard cost-accounting definitions. CostBeacon defaults are documented in product help and technical guides.

Formula reference

selling price = cost × (1 + markup%); margin = (sell − cost) ÷ sell

CostBeacon

Turn invoices into cost history

Upload supplier PDFs and get line-item unit costs, price alerts, and margin insights — without spreadsheets.