Business guide

When Should You Use Margin or Markup?

Choose the right percentage for pricing, reporting and supplier conversations.

Markup builds from cost

Markup is intuitive when taking a known cost and adding an amount on top.

Margin evaluates sales

Margin shows what percentage of revenue remains after direct cost and is often clearer for profitability analysis.

Label percentages clearly

Never write only “30%” in a pricing model. Specify whether it is markup, margin, commission, discount or another measure.

ProfitMaths guides provide general educational information, not personalised accounting, tax, legal or financial advice.