Gross Margin Calculator
This Gross Margin Calculator computes gross profit and gross margin using standard accounting definitions. Enter total revenue (sales) and cost of goods sold (COGS); provide units sold to compute per-unit profit.
Gross profit is revenue minus COGS. Gross margin measures gross profit as a share of revenue and is commonly expressed as a percentage to compare product lines, time periods, or competitors while controlling for scale.
Governance
Record a03d7af83629 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Inputs
Results
Gross Profit
$400.00
Gross Margin (%)
4000.00%
Gross Margin (decimal)
0.4
Gross Profit per Unit
—
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Profit | $400.00 | USD |
| Gross Margin (%) | 4000.00% | — |
| Gross Margin (decimal) | 0.4 | — |
| Gross Profit per Unit | — | USD |
Visualization
Methodology
Formulas used: Gross Profit = Revenue − COGS; Gross Margin (%) = (Gross Profit / Revenue) × 100; Gross Margin (decimal) = Gross Profit / Revenue; Gross Profit per Unit = Gross Profit / Units Sold.
These calculations follow standard financial-statement conventions used in explanatory guidance from regulators and accounting boards. Inventory valuation and cost recognition (FIFO, LIFO, average cost) will alter reported COGS and therefore margins; consult accounting guidance if you need GAAP/IFRS-level reconciliation.
This tool assumes consistent currency and period for revenue and COGS. Do not mix periods (e.g., monthly revenue with annual COGS) or combine accrual and cash basis figures without adjustment. For small-volume or zero-revenue cases, interpret percentage outputs carefully—division by zero is possible when revenue or units sold equals zero.
F.A.Q.
What should I enter for Revenue and COGS?
Enter totals for the same reporting period and in the same currency. Revenue is the total sales amount; COGS includes direct production costs such as materials and direct labor. Exclude operating expenses like marketing and rent from COGS.
Why does the calculator show an error or 'Infinity' for per-unit profit?
Per-unit profit divides gross profit by units sold. If 'Units Sold' is zero, the calculation is undefined. Enter a positive units-sold value or leave units blank if you do not require per-unit metrics.
Why might gross margin differ from my accounting system?
Differences commonly arise from inventory accounting methods (FIFO, LIFO, weighted-average), timing differences, intercompany eliminations, or whether returns and allowances were deducted from revenue. For officially audited figures, reconcile with your ledger and accounting policies.
Is there an industry benchmark for a 'good' gross margin?
Benchmarks vary heavily by industry. High-volume commodity businesses typically have lower margins than software or branded consumer-goods companies. Use sector-specific reports or government statistics for benchmarking and compare like-for-like (product mix, geography, and accounting basis).
Can I use this for forecasting?
Yes. Use projected revenue and projected COGS (based on expected input costs, yields, or vendor pricing) to estimate future gross margins. Document assumptions and stress-test scenarios for key inputs such as material cost increases or volume changes.
How precise are results and how should I round?
Results are calculated from the raw inputs. For reporting, round currency to two decimal places and percentages to one or two decimal places depending on materiality. For regulatory or audited reports, follow your accounting policies and rounding rules.
Sources & citations
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Prepare financial statements — https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/prepare-financial-statements
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — What is an income statement? — https://www.sec.gov/fast-answers/answers-incomehtm.html
- Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) — https://www.fasb.org
- MIT OpenCourseWare — Management and Accounting resources — https://ocw.mit.edu
- Practical reference on gross margin definitions — https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/grossmargin.asp
- SEC — Financial Reporting Manual — https://www.sec.gov/corpfin/cf-manual
- AICPA — American Institute of CPAs — https://www.aicpa-cima.com/
Further resources
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: a03d7af83629What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-20 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-20 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 20, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-20 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: fea42621401a
