Markup Calculator
Calculate selling price from cost
Markup ↔ Margin Conversion
| Markup | Margin | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| 25% | 20% | ×1.25 |
| 33.3% | 25% | ×1.33 |
| 50% | 33.3% | ×1.50 |
| 66.7% | 40% | ×1.67 |
| 100% | 50% | ×2.00 |
| 150% | 60% | ×2.50 |
| 200% | 66.7% | ×3.00 |
Common Industry Markups
How to Use the Markup Calculator
The markup calculator helps retailers, wholesalers, and service providers determine selling prices based on cost and desired markup percentage. Enter your cost and markup to instantly see the selling price, or work backwards from a selling price to find the markup percentage.
Understanding Markup
Markup is the percentage added to the cost of a product to determine its selling price. The formula is: Selling Price = Cost × (1 + Markup%/100). For example, a $100 item with a 50% markup sells for $150. To find markup percentage: Markup% = ((Selling Price - Cost) / Cost) × 100.
Markup vs. Margin: Know the Difference
Markup is based on cost, while margin is based on selling price. A 100% markup means you doubled the cost, resulting in a 50% margin. This distinction is critical for pricing decisions. Use our margin vs markup converter to translate between the two.
Common Markup Percentages by Industry
- Retail clothing: 100-150% (keystone pricing = 100%)
- Jewelry: 200-300%
- Grocery: 10-30%
- Restaurants: 200-400% on food, 300-500% on beverages
- Furniture: 80-200%
Pricing Strategy Tips
Your markup must cover operating expenses and generate profit. Consider competitor pricing, perceived value, and your target market. For seasonal or perishable goods, factor in markdown risk. Use our break-even calculator to ensure your markup covers all costs.
Related Calculators
Calculate your actual profits with our margin calculator. For sales and promotions, use the discount calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Markup % = ((Selling Price - Cost) / Cost) × 100. If an item costs $80 and sells for $120, markup = ($120-$80)/$80 × 100 = 50%. You added 50% of the cost to set the price.
Keystone pricing means a 100% markup, or doubling the cost. A $50 item sells for $100. This simple rule-of-thumb was common in retail before competition pressured margins. It results in a 50% gross margin.
Selling Price = Cost × (1 + Markup%/100). For a $75 item with 60% markup: $75 × 1.60 = $120 selling price.
Margin is always lower because it is divided by the larger selling price, while markup is divided by the smaller cost. A 100% markup (doubling cost) only gives a 50% margin (half of price is profit).
Restaurants typically markup food 200-400% and beverages 300-500%. A $3 food cost dish might sell for $12-15 (300-400% markup). Alcohol markups are higher because of lower labor to serve.
Use markup for day-to-day pricing decisions since it is intuitive to add a percentage to cost. Use margin for financial analysis and comparing profitability. Most retailers think in markup but report in margin.
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