What this calculator tells you

Markup and margin both measure profit, but they use different denominators. Mixing them up can turn a planned margin into an accidental discount.

Markup = (selling price - cost) / cost × 100. Margin = (selling price - cost) / selling price × 100.

When to use it

Use it when a supplier quotes markup, a marketplace asks for margin, or a colleague uses the two terms interchangeably.

Use conservative inputs

Start with your landed cost, real fee rates, and a pessimistic advertising cost. The result is more useful when the assumptions are honest.

Watch the common mistake

A 50 percent markup is not a 50 percent margin. It is a 33.3 percent margin.

Frequently asked questions

Which number should I use for pricing?

Margin is usually more useful for evaluating the business because it relates profit to revenue. Markup is useful for supplier or cost-based pricing discussions.

Can markup be higher than 100 percent?

Yes. A product can be marked up by more than its cost. The corresponding margin will still remain below 100 percent.

Why does a small margin change matter?

Margin is a share of revenue. A few percentage points can make a meaningful difference in total profit at scale.

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