Food Cost Percentage Calculator
Find out what share of your food sales goes into ingredients. Enter opening and closing stock, purchases and total sales — your food cost percentage appears instantly, compared against your target.
Details
How to use
- Enter the stock value at the start and end of the period, plus what you bought in between.
- Enter your total food sales for the same period.
- Your food cost percentage appears instantly, compared with your target.
Note: Food cost % = (Opening stock + Purchases - Closing stock) / Food sales x 100. Most healthy restaurants aim for 25-35%. This tool measures food only, not labor, rent or utilities.
Tips
- Measure stock at the same time each period so the comparison stays fair.
- Track weekly instead of monthly — food costs drift quickly with prices and portions.
- Waste and over-portioning show up here before anywhere else; check recipes when the percentage climbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is food cost percentage calculated?
Food cost percentage equals opening stock plus purchases minus closing stock, divided by food sales, times 100.
What is a healthy food cost percentage?
Most healthy restaurants aim for 25 to 35 percent; the tool compares your result with your target.
Does it include labor and rent?
No; it measures food only, not labor, rent or utilities.
What does the target comparison show?
It places your calculated percentage next to the target you set, so you can see at a glance whether your food cost is above or below your goal.