Markup is not margin

Materials Markup Calculator

Add ten per cent to materials and you keep 9.1. To make a 20 per cent margin you have to add 25.

Free tool

Materials Markup Calculator

A markup is measured on what the materials cost. A margin is measured on what you charged. They are never the same number, and the difference always goes the same way.

Materials
£
%
Measured on the cost.
%
Measured on the price.
Labour on the job
£
£
Wages, or your own time at cost.
Margin on the materials

-

You charge for materials
You make on them
The gap between markup and margin
Markup needed for the margin you want

Price for the whole job
Gross profit
Blended margin
Materials as a share of the price

The arithmetic, both ways

Margin equals markup divided by one plus markup. Add 10 per cent and you keep 9.1. Add 50 and you keep 33. Double it and you keep half.

Markup equals margin divided by one minus margin. So a 20 per cent margin needs 25 per cent added, and a third needs a half.

If your markup only covers collecting, storing and carrying the materials and the bits that get damaged, you are not making anything on them. You are being reimbursed.

Every markup, in a table

The workbook prices a whole job and carries a table of markups against the margin each one actually produces.

Download the workbook Free Excel workbook, no signup. Current for 2026/27.

FAQs

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

We provide bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, tax filings, annual accounts, and advisory services — tailored to freelancers, SMEs, and ecommerce businesses.

Yes. Every client works with a named accountant who knows your business inside out. You’ll never deal with call centres — just direct, personal support.

We’re certified partners with Xero and QuickBooks. Our digital-first approach means you’ll always have real-time access to your financial data.

We offer fixed monthly packages with no hidden fees. Pricing depends on your business size and the level of support you need — but you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for.

Absolutely. We handle VAT, corporation tax, self-assessments, and payroll tax. We also manage HMRC correspondence on your behalf to ensure you never miss a deadline.

No. While many of our clients are London-based, we also support businesses across the UK and ecommerce sellers worldwide through our cloud-based systems.

RESOURCES

Fresh takes on business and accounting.

CONTACT

Get in touch