Finance

Markup Example: Step-by-Step Calculation

See a step-by-step markup example using cost, selling price, markup amount, and markup percentage.

Updated June 28, 2026

A markup example makes the markup formula easier to understand. Markup starts with cost and shows how much is added above that cost to create the selling price. This guide walks through the calculation step by step using simple numbers.

Related toolMarkup Calculator

Use the calculator to check your own numbers, then read the guide for formulas, examples, and pricing mistakes.

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What This Example Will Calculate

This example calculates markup amount and markup percentage from cost and selling price.

Cost is the amount spent to buy, create, or provide the product or service. Selling price is the amount charged to the customer.

Markup shows how much has been added above cost.

Example Numbers

Suppose a product costs 50 and sells for 75.

The cost is 50. The selling price is 75.

The goal is to calculate the markup amount and markup percentage.

Step 1: Find the Cost

Cost is the starting point for a markup calculation.

In this example, the cost is 50.

This number may include product cost, materials, packaging, delivery cost, or direct service cost depending on the business.

Step 2: Find the Selling Price

Selling price is the price charged to the customer.

In this example, the selling price is 75.

Selling price is not the same as profit because cost must be removed first.

Step 3: Calculate Markup Amount

Markup amount is selling price minus cost.

Using the example, markup amount = 75 - 50.

The markup amount is 25.

Step 4: Calculate Markup Percentage

Markup percentage is markup amount divided by cost, multiplied by 100.

In this example, markup percentage = 25 ÷ 50 × 100.

The result is 50%.

What the Result Means

A 50% markup means the selling price includes an amount equal to 50% of the cost added above the cost.

It does not mean the profit margin is 50%. Profit margin uses selling price as the base, while markup uses cost as the base.

For that difference, read Profit Margin vs Markup.

How This Connects to the Markup Formula

This example follows the same structure explained in the Markup Formula guide.

The main calculation is selling price minus cost, then markup amount divided by cost.

You can use the same process for products, services, retail pricing, and cost-plus pricing.

Use the Calculator

Use the Markup Calculator to check cost, selling price, markup amount, and markup percentage.

If you already know cost and markup percentage, read How to Calculate Selling Price From Markup.

If you want the formula for markup percentage, read Markup Percentage Formula.

Conclusion

In this markup example, cost is 50, selling price is 75, markup amount is 25, and markup percentage is 50%.

The important point is that markup percentage is based on cost, not selling price.

Related guides and tools

FAQs

What numbers do I need for a markup example?

You need cost and selling price.

How do I calculate markup amount?

Subtract cost from selling price.

How do I calculate markup percentage?

Divide markup amount by cost, then multiply by 100.

Try the calculator

Use the Markup Calculator to calculate markup amount, markup percentage, and pricing numbers.

Use Markup Calculator