How to use it
Three steps.
Enter the bottle size and costThe bottle volume and the price you pay, excluding recoverable VAT. For example, a 70cl bottle at £21.
Choose your measureThe amount per serve, such as 25ml. The calculator shows how many measures the bottle should give.
Enter your selling priceThe price per serve including VAT. You get cost per serve, GP, and what over pouring does to both.
A worked example
A 70cl bottle of spirit.
| Bottle size | 700ml |
| Measure | 25ml |
| Theoretical serves | 28 |
| Bottle cost | £21.00 |
| Cost per serve | £0.75 |
| Selling price including VAT | £5.00 |
| Net selling price | £4.17 |
| Gross profit per serve | £3.42 |
| Gross profit percentage | 82% |
On paper, a strong margin. But it assumes every measure is poured correctly and all 28 serves are sold, and it excludes mixers and garnishes.
The common mistake
Ignoring wastage and over pours.
A 70cl bottle should give 28 measures of 25ml. In practice it rarely does. Over pouring, spillages, complimentary drinks and wastage all cut the real return.
If your theoretical GP looks healthy but your stock based GP is consistently lower, the difference could be pouring, recording, pricing or other stock movements. Bottle yield is a starting point, not a substitute for proper stock control.
A better bar is about more than pricing
Products, people, measures and numbers.
The right product range, trained staff, consistent measures and accurate stock reporting all contribute to commercial performance. I work with hospitality businesses on drinks development, pricing, training and the practical management of their bars.
Other free tools
Check another number.
GP & menu price
Your real GP on one dish or drink, the price to hit your target, and what a supplier rise does to it.
Full page & worked example →Stock based GP
Your actual GP from opening stock, purchases, closing stock and net sales, with the gap in pounds.
Full page & worked example →Pour cost & bottle yield
Serves per bottle, cost per serve and what over pouring costs you a year.
You are here