Markup Calculator
Enter the cost and the markup percentage — the calculator returns the selling price and exact profit amount. The right tool when you're pricing from a known cost. One thing many people get wrong: a 50% markup does not equal a 50% profit margin — markup is on cost, margin is on revenue, so a 50% markup gives a 33.3% margin. If you're working backwards from a target margin instead, the profit margin calculator is more direct.
When to use this calculator
Use this when setting prices for products you buy and resell — retail, wholesale, food service, or freelance work where you need a consistent margin over your cost. Also useful for quickly testing how a change in cost or markup affects the final selling price.
Markup Amount
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Selling Price
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Results are instant — nothing is stored and no account is needed.
Related Calculators
How to Calculate
- Enter the cost price — what you paid for the item or service.
- Enter the markup percentage you want to apply.
- The markup amount and final selling price appear instantly.
Formula
Divide the markup percentage by 100, add 1, then multiply by the cost. For a 40% markup on $50: $50 × 1.40 = $70.
Examples
Cost $50, markup 40%
$20 added — $70 selling price
Cost $200, markup 25%
$50 added — $250 selling price
Cost $18, markup 150%
$27 added — $45 selling price
Use Cases
- Setting retail prices from wholesale costs
- Pricing freelance work or professional services
- Calculating trade margins for resellers and distributors
- Determining menu prices from ingredient costs
- Applying a consistent markup across a product catalogue
FAQ
What is a 50% markup on $40?
A 50% markup on $40 adds $20, giving a selling price of $60.
What is a 30% markup on $100?
A 30% markup on $100 adds $30, giving a selling price of $130.
What is the difference between markup and margin?
Markup is based on cost — it's the amount added on top. Margin is based on revenue — it's the share of the selling price that is profit. A 50% markup gives a 33.3% margin, not 50%. If you need to target a specific profit margin rather than markup, use the profit margin calculator.
What markup percentage gives a 50% profit margin?
A 100% markup gives a 50% profit margin. Example: cost $50 → markup 100% → selling price $100 → margin = ($100 − $50) / $100 = 50%.
How do you calculate markup percentage?
Markup % = ((Selling Price − Cost) / Cost) × 100. For example, cost $40, selling price $60: ($20 / $40) × 100 = 50%.
How does markup affect ROI?
A higher markup increases the gross profit on each unit sold, which directly affects your return on inventory investment. If you want to measure the return on what you've invested in stock, the ROI calculator can quantify that return once you know your selling price and cost.