Inputs and definitions
List what is included before entering numbers: tier sizes, agreed decoration, supports, finishing, transport and on-site setup. Count design correspondence and loading time if they are real work. Do not multiply all costs by a serving count when some tasks happen once per event.
| Input | Unit / meaning | SAMPLE DATA |
|---|---|---|
| Tier ingredients and edible decor | USD | 85 |
| Boards, supports and boxes | USD | 28 |
| Hands-on design and finishing time | hours | 8 |
| Chosen labor rate | USD/hour | 25 |
| Allocated overhead | USD | 32 |
| Delivery and setup cost | USD | 55 |
| Markup on cost | % | 40 |
Formula and worked example
Price = (tiers + supports + hours × rate + overhead + setup) × (1 + markup/100)
SAMPLE DATA — fictional inputs, not US market benchmarks. (85 + 28 + 8 × 25 + 32 + 55) × 1.40 = $560.
The fictional job has $85 of tier ingredients, $28 of supports and boxes, eight hours at $25, $32 overhead and $55 delivery/setup cost. Its cost basis is $400. A 40% markup produces $560 before any applicable tax. The $160 surplus is 28.57% of the price; a 40% margin would instead require $666.67.
Apply the result to this task
Change scope before changing the percentage. Extra floral placement, a second venue trip or venue access restrictions can change labor and delivery even when cake quantity stays constant. Record an agreed scope revision rather than concealing it inside an unexplained surcharge.
Validation, exclusions and limits
No deposit, date reservation or customer contract is created here. Tax treatment, permits, platform fees and unusual equipment rental are outside the calculation unless entered in an appropriate cost field. The wedding quote template handles the handoff document; the wedding pricing guide handles the decision process.
Use finite numbers and keep money precise until the displayed result. Costs and time cannot be negative; required quantities must be positive. Check that your package, recipe and order quantities use compatible units. Clear a field to see the input error rather than carrying an old result into a decision.
Related next steps
The interactive calculation and worked example on this page are usable without a purchase. For a saved local recipe-to-order workflow, explore Baker Quote or try the fixed-sample free demo. A markup multiplies cost by one plus the rate; a target margin divides cost by one minus the rate. They are not interchangeable.