Shifty
Herramienta Gratuita

Calculadora de Costo de Alimentos

Calcula tu porcentaje de costo de alimentos y compáralo con los estándares de la industria. Mantén tu restaurante rentable.

1 Tu Negocio

2 Ingresa Tus Números

Todos los ingredientes y suministros comprados

Ingresos por comida (sin bebidas si se separan)

How to Calculate Food Cost for Your Restaurant

Food cost percentage is the portion of your revenue spent on ingredients. It's one of the most important metrics for restaurant profitability — and one of the easiest to let slip.

The Formula

Food Cost % = Cost of Goods Sold ÷ Total Food Revenue × 100

For a more accurate number, use the inventory method:

COGS = Beginning Inventory + Purchases − Ending Inventory

Food Cost Benchmarks by Business Type

Business TypeTarget Food CostWarning Level
Cafe / Coffee Shop25–35%> 38%
Fast Casual25–30%> 33%
Full-Service Restaurant28–35%> 38%
Bar / Pub20–28%> 32%
Bakery25–35%> 38%
Pizzeria28–32%> 35%

5 Ways to Reduce Food Cost

  1. Standardize portions — use recipes with exact weights and measures
  2. Reduce waste — track spoilage, implement FIFO rotation
  3. Engineer your menu — drop low-margin dishes, promote high-margin ones
  4. Negotiate with suppliers — compare prices, buy seasonal produce
  5. Optimize scheduling — don't overstaff the kitchen during slow hours

Optimize your labor costs too

Food cost is only half the equation. Shifty helps you build smart shift schedules that keep labor costs in check — so both sides of your P&L stay healthy.

Try Shifty Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good food cost percentage?

Most restaurants aim for 28-35%. Cafes typically run 25-35%, and bars 20-28%. If your food cost exceeds 35%, review your portions, suppliers, and menu pricing.

How often should I calculate food cost?

Weekly for quick checks, monthly with full inventory counts for strategic decisions. Consistent tracking helps you spot problems before they eat into your profits.

What's the difference between food cost and COGS?

COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) is the dollar amount spent on ingredients. Food cost percentage is COGS divided by revenue, expressed as a percentage. Both measure the same thing — one in dollars, one as a ratio.