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PrimeCostHQ

Prime Cost Calculator

Enter food, beverage, labor (fully loaded) and revenue for the same period. Result updates as you type.

Last reviewed: Last reviewed 2026-05-04

Calculator

Wages + payroll taxes + benefits + PTO.

Methodology & sources

Formula: (food + beverage + labor) ÷ revenue.

Worked example: ($30,000 + $5,000 + $25,000) ÷ $100,000 = 60.0% prime cost.

Bands used here:

  • ≤ 60% — target
  • 60–70% — watch
  • > 70% — critical

Source: National Restaurant Association. See full methodology.