Calculator · Instant access

Contribution Margin Calculator

Calculate gross contribution margin per dish, model price and cost scenarios, and see total monthly margin across your full menu mix.

Dish details

Dish name

Selling price (excl. tax) $

Food cost $ per portion

Covers sold per month

Target contribution margin $ Leave blank to use price minus cost

Results

Contribution margin $

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CM as % of selling price

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Food cost %

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Monthly CM contribution

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Monthly revenue

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Monthly food cost

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Food cost: — Margin: —

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Enter a base dish below, then use the sliders to model how price and cost changes affect contribution margin. Requires data from the Single dish tab — or enter a new dish here.

Base dish

Selling price $

Food cost $

Monthly covers

Price adjustment

Price change: ±$0.00

-$5 +$10 $0.00

Cost adjustment

Cost change: ±$0.00

-$3 +$5 $0.00

Volume change

Cover volume change: ±0%

-30% +30% 0%

Scenario	Selling price	Food cost	CM per dish	CM %	Monthly covers	Monthly CM	vs Base

Enter up to 20 menu items. The table calculates contribution margin per item and total monthly margin across your full menu mix — showing which dishes drive the most contribution in absolute terms.

Item	Price ($)	Food cost ($)	Monthly covers	CM per dish	CM %	Monthly CM	Mix %
Total			—		—	—	100%

Get the full Menu Profit System →

For context on how contribution margin fits into a broader menu pricing strategy: How to Price a Restaurant Menu Without Leaving Margin on the Table.

Ready to model your full menu profitability?

The Menu Profit System extends this calculator into a consultant-grade workbook: 50+ recipes linked to a menu engineering matrix, week-by-week margin dashboard, repricing scenario planner, and category-level contribution analysis. Built for operators who need more than a snapshot.

50+ recipe workbook Menu engineering matrix Margin dashboard Repricing planner Category analysis

Enquire about the Menu Profit System →