Material Markup Calculator
Set a markup on materials and instantly see selling price, profit and margin, or work backwards from a known selling price.
Calculator
Choose whether you are pricing from cost with a markup, or working out the markup from a selling price.
Material pricing
Results
VAT is not included. Add VAT separately if needed. Markup is based on cost; margin is based on selling price.
How This Calculator Works
What it does
This calculator helps you determine the selling price of materials by applying a markup percentage to your purchase cost. It can also calculate the markup percentage from an existing selling price. In both modes, it displays the resulting profit and profit margin.
How the calculation works
In Cost → Selling Price mode, the selling price is calculated by applying the selected markup percentage to your material cost.
In Selling Price → Markup mode, the calculator works backwards to determine the markup percentage from your material cost and selling price.
The profit is the difference between the selling price and the original material cost, while the profit margin shows what percentage of the selling price is profit.
Formula
Cost → Selling Price
- Selling Price = Material Cost × (1 + Markup %)
- Markup Added = Selling Price − Material Cost
- Profit = Selling Price − Material Cost
- Margin % = (Profit ÷ Selling Price) × 100
Selling Price → Markup
- Markup Added = Selling Price − Material Cost
- Markup % = ((Selling Price − Material Cost) ÷ Material Cost) × 100
- Margin % = ((Selling Price − Material Cost) ÷ Selling Price) × 100
Why it matters
Applying a consistent markup helps recover purchasing, handling and storage costs while protecting your profit. Understanding the difference between markup and margin also makes it easier to price materials accurately and maintain consistent profitability.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about this calculator and how UK trades use the figures day to day.
What markup do trades commonly use?
It varies by trade and competition. Many firms use a materials markup and a separate labour rate. Test what protects your margin.
Why is margin lower than markup?
Because margin divides profit by the higher selling price, while markup divides by cost.
When should I use Selling Price → Markup?
Use it when you already know the price you charge and want to see what markup and margin that creates against cost.
Does this include VAT?
No. Work in net figures, then use the VAT Calculator if you need gross.
Can I markup labour here too?
You can enter any cost figure. For a full quote build-up, use the Quote Estimate Calculator.
How do I keep markups consistent?
Agree a default materials markup in your process, then generate quotes from Total Tradesmen so the team uses the same approach.
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