Markup vs Margin Calculator
Markup and margin look similar but mean different things — mixing them up silently eats your profit. Enter your numbers and see both percentages, the difference explained plainly, and a visual breakdown.
Your numbers
Markup
0%
profit ÷ cost
Margin
0%
profit ÷ price
What this means
How to use it
- Enter your cost and your selling price to see both markup % and margin % instantly.
- Read the plain-English explanation and the visual breakdown of cost vs profit.
- Need a target instead? Switch to reverse mode: enter cost + desired margin % to get the required selling price.
- Use the shown formulas to double-check the math yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between markup and margin?
Markup is profit expressed as a percentage of your cost: (price − cost) ÷ cost. Margin is profit as a percentage of the selling price: (price − cost) ÷ price. A $30 profit on a $70 cost is a 43% markup but a 30% margin — same dollars, different percentages.
Should I use markup or margin for pricing?
Use margin when you think in terms of revenue — for example, 'I want to keep 30% of every sale.' Use markup when you think in terms of costs — for example, 'I double my wholesale cost.' Retailers and accountants usually talk margin; many small sellers start with markup.
Can I work backwards from a target margin?
Yes — switch to reverse mode, enter your cost and the margin you want, and the calculator tells you the exact selling price you need: price = cost ÷ (1 − margin).
Is my data saved or sent anywhere?
No. Everything is calculated instantly in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere or stored.