Operating Margin Calculator

Measure profitability from core operations, before interest and tax.

What the Operating Margin Calculator does

Operating margin shows how much profit each dollar of revenue produces from core operations, before interest and tax. Because it excludes financing choices, it is the fairest way to compare two companies in the same industry.

Formula

  • Operating income = Revenue − COGS − Operating expenses
  • Operating margin % = Operating income ÷ Revenue × 100

Inputs explained

InputUnitRequiredNotes
Revenueselected currencyYesAccepts more than 0.
Cost of goods soldselected currencyOptionalAccepts 0 or more.
Operating expensesselected currencyYesAccepts 0 or more.
Currencyone of 10 optionsOptional

How to use it

  1. Choose Currency.
  2. Enter Revenue and Operating expenses.
  3. Optionally add Cost of goods sold.
  4. Select Calculate.

Worked example

$1,200,000 revenue, $480,000 COGS, $540,000 operating expenses.

Revenue
1200000
COGS
480000
Opex
540000

Operating income $180,000 — a 15% operating margin.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good operating margin?

It varies hugely by sector. Software often exceeds 20%; grocery retail runs 2–4%. Compare against direct competitors, never across industries.

How is this different from EBITDA margin?

Operating margin deducts depreciation and amortisation; EBITDA adds them back. EBITDA flatters capital-intensive businesses.

Related calculators