Markup Calculator Percentage
Use this tool to calculate markup %, selling price, or cost price. Fill any two fields and calculate the third.
How much the item costs you.
How much you sell the item for.
Markup is based on cost: (profit ÷ cost) × 100.
If you run a store, freelancing business, eCommerce brand, or even a side hustle, pricing decisions directly affect your profit. A good markup calculator percentage helps you set prices fast and avoid underpricing your work.
What is markup percentage?
Markup percentage is the amount you add to your cost to get your selling price, expressed as a percentage of cost.
Markup % = ((Selling Price - Cost Price) / Cost Price) × 100
Example: If your cost is $40 and your selling price is $60, then your profit is $20. Your markup is:
($20 ÷ $40) × 100 = 50%
Markup vs margin (important difference)
Many people confuse markup and margin. They are not the same:
- Markup is based on cost.
- Margin is based on selling price.
For the same $40 cost and $60 sale:
- Markup = 50%
- Margin = ($20 ÷ $60) × 100 = 33.33%
Why this matters: if your goal is a specific gross margin, you cannot simply use the same number as your markup percentage.
How to use this markup calculator percentage
Option 1: Calculate markup %
Enter cost price and selling price, then click Find Markup %. The calculator also shows profit and margin.
Option 2: Calculate selling price
Enter cost price and desired markup %, then click Find Selling Price. Great for fast product pricing.
Option 3: Calculate cost price
Enter selling price and markup %, then click Find Cost Price. Helpful when reverse-engineering supplier costs.
Practical pricing examples
Retail product pricing
If a product costs $25 and you want a 60% markup:
Selling Price = $25 × (1 + 0.60) = $40
Service business pricing
If your labor + overhead cost is $80 and you charge $140:
- Profit = $60
- Markup = 75%
- Margin = 42.86%
How to choose a markup percentage
- Include all real costs: materials, labor, packaging, shipping, fees, and returns.
- Check competitor pricing and customer willingness to pay.
- Set a minimum acceptable margin for sustainability.
- Use different markups by category (fast movers vs slow movers).
- Review prices regularly when costs or demand change.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using markup when you actually need target margin.
- Ignoring variable expenses like payment processor fees.
- Applying one markup rate to all products regardless of risk or demand.
- Never testing prices—small increases can dramatically improve profit.
Final takeaway
A reliable markup calculator percentage gives you quick clarity: how much to charge, how much you earn, and whether your pricing is sustainable. Use it regularly so your pricing supports growth instead of draining your margins.