Free Tools

Cottage Food Pricing Calculator

Figure out exactly what to charge. Add your ingredient, labor, packaging, and market overhead costs below, set your target profit margin, and this tool calculates your suggested retail price per unit.

The share of your final price that's profit — not a multiplier on cost like a simple markup.

Total cost this batch

$0.00

Cost per unit

$0.00

Profit per batch

$0.00

Suggested retail price per unit

$0.00

Profit per unit: $0.00

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from the Cake & Baked Goods Cost Calculator?

The cost calculator tracks per-ingredient cost by package price and amount used. This tool works from a lump-sum cost breakdown (ingredients, labor, packaging, market overhead) and solves for a price at a target profit margin, rather than a simple cost multiplier.

What's the difference between margin and markup?

Markup multiplies your cost (2x cost = price). Margin is the percentage of your final price that's profit. A 50% margin is not the same as a 2x markup — margin-based pricing is what most retail and wholesale pricing guides actually use.

What should I include in market overhead?

Booth or table fees, mileage or delivery costs, packaging beyond direct materials, and any platform fees (Etsy, Square) tied to that specific batch or sale.

What margin should I target?

Most small food businesses target 30–50% margin after all costs. Lower margins can work if you're optimizing for volume; higher margins protect you against unpredictable costs like ingredient price swings.

Does this account for my state's sales cap?

No — this tool is for per-unit pricing only. Use the Cottage Food Law Lookup Tool to check your state's annual income cap.

Priced it — now build the label

Once you know your price, Quickly Cottage builds the compliant ingredient list and label your state requires — allergens, disclosures, and all — in minutes.