Markup vs margin calculator

Markup is measured against your cost. Margin is measured against the price. People use the words as if they mean the same thing, and the gap between them is real money — a 35% markup leaves you a 26% margin.

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35% markup gives you

$1,350.00

That is a margin of25.9%
To actually hit 35% margin, mark up53.8%
Which prices the job at$1,538.46

Markup is measured against your cost; margin is measured against the price. A 35% markup is a 26% margin — the gap is where a lot of small shops quietly lose money.

Questions people ask

Which one should I price with?

Mark up to set the price, but check the margin. Margin is the number that tells you what share of the invoice you keep.

How do I convert a margin to a markup?

Markup = margin ÷ (100 − margin). This does it for you — put the margin you want in the second box.

Why can't I ask for a 100% margin?

A 100% margin would mean the job cost you nothing. Margins approach 100% but never reach it.

Doing this on every job?

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