costed plateHow the calculation works
A margin on revenue is different from adding the same percentage as markup on cost. Use a complete event budget, including prep, travel, service, cleaning and equipment where applicable.
Formula: Total event cost ÷ (1 − target margin ÷ 100).
Worked example
The starting inputs are illustrative assumptions: Food and disposables ($): 900; Event labor ($): 500; Transport, hire and other event costs ($): 200; Target margin on revenue (%): 30. They produce 2285.71$. These inputs are editable and are not market prices or industry benchmarks.
Use the result
The figure excludes taxes and contract-specific charges. Add them according to your actual requirements, then check the quote against scope and capacity.
Keep the period, unit and currency consistent across the inputs. A calculator cannot identify a missing cost from the figures you provide. Retain an invoice or stock-count record for the inputs, and use the result as a check on your operating decision.
Sources and method
Checked October 29, 2026. Example inputs and computed results are identified in the text.
- The Basic Calculation of Operating Costs. BC Cook Articulation Committee / BCcampus. Cost classifications and operating calculations. Checked 2026-10-29.