If you are guessing food cost, you are guessing pricing.
This quick calculator gives you the exact food cost % for any menu item so you can reprice before margin slips.
Quick Summary Formula
Food cost % = Ingredient cost per serving ÷ Menu price × 100Step-by-Step
- Add up the ingredient cost for one serving
- Divide by your menu price (before tax if tax is added at checkout)
- Compare the % to your target and adjust price or portion size if needed
Example (US)
- Ingredient cost per serving: $3.80
- Menu price: $13.50
$3.80 ÷ $13.50 × 100 = 28.1%CPI Reality Check (US)
BLS CPI data for December 2025 shows food-away-from-home prices still rising faster than grocery prices. Use this as a baseline: if your ingredient costs are moving faster, review pricing sooner rather than later.
Related Guides
- US Menu Pricing Calculator
- US Restaurant Menu Pricing Guide
- 2026 Menu Price Review Checklist
- Recipe Costing Guide
- Food Cost Ratio Guide
- Prime Cost Guide
Want This Done Automatically?
KitchenCost recalculates recipe costs, food cost %, and price targets as your ingredient prices change.
If you want a faster way to protect margin, start on the KitchenCost landing page.