Calculator

Materials Markup Calculator

Calculate the right markup on materials. Enter your cost price and target margin to see the sell price and profit per job.

How to Use

Enter the cost price of materials — the amount you pay your supplier, excluding VAT.

Set your desired markup percentage. Most electricians use 20-40%.

Toggle VAT on or off depending on whether you are VAT registered.

Review the sell price to quote your customer and the effective margin on the materials.

About This Calculator

This materials markup calculator helps electricians price materials correctly. Many electricians confuse markup with margin — this tool shows both clearly. Enter your cost price and desired markup percentage to see the customer price, profit, and effective margin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between markup and margin?

Markup is the percentage added to cost price (e.g. 30% on a £100 item = £130 sell price). Margin is the percentage of the sell price that is profit (e.g. £30 profit on a £130 sell price = 23.1% margin). A 30% markup equals a 23.1% margin.

What markup should electricians charge on materials?

Most electricians charge 20-40% markup on materials. For specialist or hard-to-source items, 40-50% is common. For commodity items like cables and trunking, 15-25% is typical.

Should I show materials as a separate line on my quote?

It depends on the job. For larger projects, itemising materials builds trust. For smaller jobs, a single inclusive price is often cleaner. Either way, make sure your markup covers your time sourcing and transporting materials.

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