Pricing & profitability

Profit Margin & Markup Calculator Kenya

Price your products and services accurately. Calculate gross margin, wholesale markup, and net monthly profit after all business expenses.

Profitability Formula Reference

Essential financial metrics for pricing products and services in Kenya.

Income Band / CategoryRate / LimitNotes
Gross ProfitPrice - CostDirect cash earned per unit sold
Markup Percentage(Profit / Cost) × 100Percentage markup added over wholesale/supplier price
Gross Margin(Profit / Price) × 100Portion of sales revenue retained before operating overheads
Net Margin(Net Profit / Revenue) × 100Final bottom-line profit percentage after all bills and expenses

Avoid the Underpricing Trap

Many small businesses confuse a 30% markup with a 30% margin. When rent and staff costs are factored in, insufficient markup can lead to negative net cash flow.

Volume vs Margin Strategy

High-turnover goods can succeed on leaner margins, while bespoke or slow-moving inventory requires higher markups to cover holding costs.

Quick Answers

Profit Margin FAQs

What is the difference between profit margin and markup?

Markup is the percentage added on top of your cost price to determine selling price (Profit / Cost). Margin is the percentage of selling price that represents profit (Profit / Selling Price). For example, a 50% markup equals a 33.3% gross margin.

What is a healthy gross profit margin for Kenyan retail businesses?

Depending on the sector, retail FMCG/groceries typically target 15% to 25% gross margins, apparel and electronics target 35% to 50%, while professional and digital services often exceed 60% to 70%.

How do operating expenses affect net margin?

Gross profit only accounts for the direct cost of inventory/materials (COGS). Net profit deducts all overheads such as shop rent, salaries, marketing, licenses, and transport.

Updated

August 2026

Calculators are for planning and estimation only. Verify final tax, payroll, loan, investment or property figures with the relevant institution or adviser.