Food cost calculator
By mise · Updated September 29, 2026
Quick answer: enter beginning inventory, purchases, ending inventory and food sales for the same period. The calculator returns cost of goods sold (beginning + purchases − ending) and food cost percentage (COGS ÷ sales × 100), and tells you whether it sits inside the usual range for your type of venue.
Four numbers, one result. Use the figures from your last two counts and the invoices in between.
Where the four numbers come from
| Field | Source |
|---|---|
| Beginning inventory | The value of your previous count (count × unit cost). |
| Purchases | Every food invoice received between the two counts. |
| Ending inventory | The value of today's count. |
| Food sales | Net food sales from your POS for the same days. |
What the calculator can't do
The math is easy; getting good numbers is the hard part. Both inventories need a real physical count, and purchases need every invoice. One missing invoice or a count done after a delivery can move the result by several points.
Mistakes that ruin the result
- Counting at different times of the week.
- Mixing food and beverage in purchases but using food sales only.
- Using list prices instead of what you actually paid.
- Forgetting transfers between locations or to the bar.
With mise the counts are done by scanning, the invoices go in from a photo at the price paid, and food cost appears when you close the count — no calculator needed.
Point the camera and the product comes up complete: name, brand, category, size and photo — the mise AI finds it from the barcode or a photo. 7-day free trial, no card.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate food cost for a week?
Take last week's ending inventory as beginning inventory, add the week's food purchases, subtract this week's ending inventory, and divide by the week's food sales.
Can I use this calculator for beverage cost?
Yes. Use beverage inventories, beverage purchases and beverage sales; choose "Bar" to compare with the usual 18–24% range.
Why is my food cost negative or very low?
Usually an invoice is missing, the ending count includes a delivery not yet in purchases, or the beginning inventory was undercounted.