Free calculator · UK
Markup vs margin calculator for tradespeople
Markup and margin both measure profit, but against different numbers: markup against what something cost you, margin against what you sell it for. A 25% markup is only a 20% margin. Type a cost and either one, and see the price, the profit and the other figure.
Plain maths to help you price work: an estimate, not tax or accounting advice. Nothing you type is sent to us.
How to use the markup vs margin calculator
- 1Type what the item or job costs you, before VAT.
- 2Choose whether you know the markup you add or the margin you want.
- 3Type the percentage. The selling price, the profit and the matching markup or margin update as you type.
Worked example
A part costs £200. Marked up by 25%, what margin is that? And what price gives a 30% margin?
- 125% markup: £200.00 + £50.00 = £250.00.
- 2Margin: £50.00 ÷ £250.00 = 20%, not 25%.
- 330% margin: £200.00 ÷ (100% − 30%) = £285.71.
- 4That's a markup of £85.71 ÷ £200.00 = 42.86%.
Do this in 30 seconds on your phone
Your prices, the same on every quote
- 1Save what you charge for your usual work and materials in your price list in ViperJob.
- 2Hold the mic and say the job. ViperJob prices the lines from your price list and adds VAT.
- 3Send a branded PDF, then turn the accepted quote into an invoice in one tap.
ViperJob is the quote and invoice app for UK trades, on Android. Free for 3 quotes a month. ViperJob Pro is £12.99 a month or £119.99 a year, with a 14-day free trial.
Launch offer: £8.99 a month for your first 12 months with code FOUNDER (500 of 500 places left).
(opens in a new tab)See what ViperJob doesMarkup vs margin calculator: questions
What's the difference between markup and margin?
Markup is profit as a share of the cost; margin is profit as a share of the selling price. Buy a part for £200 and sell it for £250: the £50 profit is a 25% markup (50 ÷ 200) and a 20% margin (50 ÷ 250).
How do I turn a margin into a markup?
Divide the margin by 100 minus the margin, then multiply by 100. A 20% margin needs a 25% markup (20 ÷ 80), a 30% margin needs a 42.86% markup (30 ÷ 70), and a 50% margin needs a 100% markup.
Why can't a margin be 100%?
Margin is profit as a share of the price, so 100% would mean the whole price is profit and the job cost nothing. Markup has no ceiling: a 200% markup sells something for three times its cost.
Should I work out markup before or after VAT?
Before. VAT isn't your money: it goes to HMRC. Work out markup and margin on prices before VAT, then add VAT on top if you're registered.