ProjectTrade HQ — Real Projects. Quality Trades. One Place.info@projecttradehq.com
Free ProjectTrade HQ contractor tool

Free Contractor Gross Margin Calculator

Check whether a proposed selling price produces enough gross profit to cover overhead and leave room for net profit.

Gross Margin Calculator

Enter your numbers and calculate.
Use this as a planning tool only. Verify your actual labor, equipment, overhead, material, insurance, tax, and market costs before submitting a bid.

Why gross margin matters

Gross margin shows how much of each sales dollar remains after the direct costs of performing the work. Contractors still have to pay company overhead from that gross profit, so a job can show a positive gross profit and still be a poor business decision.

Tracking gross margin by job also makes it easier to compare different types of work instead of relying only on total contract value.

Use realistic direct costs

Include payroll burden, materials, fuel, equipment cost, subcontractors, disposal, and other direct job expenses. If those costs are incomplete, the resulting margin will be overstated.

Common questions

FAQ

How is gross margin calculated?

Gross margin equals selling price minus direct cost, divided by selling price.

What is the difference between gross profit and gross margin?

Gross profit is a dollar amount. Gross margin expresses that gross profit as a percentage of revenue.

Does gross margin include company overhead?

Not necessarily. This calculator assumes overhead has not already been included in direct job cost.

Want the complete estimating system?

ProjectTrade HQ is building premium estimating packs, templates, and project opportunities for contractors and tradespeople.

Join the Contractor Network
Join as Contractor Post a Project