Food Cost Calculator
Menu food cost percentage and pricing.
Enter your values
Enter the plate ingredient cost in $.
Enter the menu price in $.
Enter the target food cost in %.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Food cost percentage
- 26.25%
- Gross profit per plate
- $11.80
- Price for target cost %
- $14.00
- Margin
- 73.75%
- Markup multiple
- 3.81×
Quick answer
Food cost percentage is ingredient cost divided by menu price; most restaurants target 28–35%.
Food cost % = Plate cost ÷ Menu price × 100
At a glance
| What it does | Menu food cost percentage and pricing. |
|---|---|
| Category | Business |
| Inputs needed | Plate ingredient cost, Menu price, Target food cost |
| Main output | Food cost percentage |
| Formula | Food cost % = Plate cost ÷ Menu price × 100 |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Food Cost Calculator
- 1Cost every ingredient in one portion.
- 2Enter your current menu price.
- 3Set your target food cost percentage.
Inputs explained
- Plate ingredient cost($)
- Enter the plate ingredient cost in $.
- Menu price($)
- Enter the menu price in $.
- Target food cost(%)
- Enter the target food cost in %.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Plate ingredient cost4.20 $
- Menu price16.00 $
- Target food cost30 %
Results
- Food cost percentage26.25%
- Gross profit per plate$11.80
- Price for target cost %$14.00
- Margin73.75%
- Markup multiple3.81×
Frequently asked questions
What food cost should I target?
28–35% for full service, lower for pizza and pasta, higher for steak.
Should labour be included?
No — that is prime cost, which combines food and labour and should stay under 60%.
What do I need to enter into the Food Cost Calculator?
Just 3 values: plate ingredient cost, menu price, target food cost. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Food Cost Calculator work out the answer?
Food cost percentage is ingredient cost divided by menu price; most restaurants target 28–35%. It applies the formula Food cost % = Plate cost ÷ Menu price × 100 and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Food Cost Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.