Free Menu Pricing Calculator: Food Cost vs. Profit
Stop underpricing your dishes. Use our formula to set the perfect menu price that covers your food cost and guarantees a profit margin.
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and I’ll calculate how much third-party delivery platforms are costing your restaurant each year.
Disclaimer: The figures provided by this Profit Leak Calculator are estimates based on your inputs and industry averages. They are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Actual results may vary.
The Science of Menu Pricing
Pricing is not a guess. It is a formula. If you price based on what the guy down the street charges, you might be locking in a loss on every plate.
A proper menu pricing strategy uses your specific ingredient costs and desired margin. For a deeper dive into maximizing per-item profit, check out our <strong><a href="https://menu-engineer.applova.io" target="_blank" class="text-green-600 hover:underline">advanced Menu Engineer tool</a></strong>.
Pricing Strategies
- Food Cost Percentage Method (Price = Cost / Desired %).
- Margin Pricing (Price = Cost + Desired Profit).
- Competition-Based Pricing (High Risk).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal food cost percentage?
The industry standard is 28-32%. If your food cost is higher, you are likely underpricing your menu or experiencing waste/theft.
How often should I raise prices?
You should review menu prices quarterly. Small, incremental increases are better than massive annual hikes.