BAR / FREE OPERATOR TOOLS
Pour Cost Calculator
Compare bottle cost with the selling price of a measured pour.
Default numbers are an example, not industry data.
Formula
Pours = bottle size ÷ pour size; cost per pour = bottle cost ÷ pours; pour cost % = cost per pour ÷ drink price × 100. Target price = cost per pour ÷ target ratio.
How it works
Enter the bottle purchase cost, bottle volume and measured serving size in millilitres. The calculator divides the full bottle into theoretical pours and compares cost per pour with the net drink price excluding VAT or sales tax.
Actual yield can be lower because of spillage, overpouring, tastings and product left in the bottle. This model has no loss allowance and excludes mixers and garnishes. Compare its theoretical cost with inventory usage over the same period, then review measures, recipes and pricing when the gap grows.
Worked example
A 21 bottle of 700 ml yields 20 pours of 35 ml at 1.05 each. At 7 per drink, pour cost is 15.00%, profit is 5.95, and a 20% target implies 5.25.
Benchmark
Commonly cited rules of thumb: liquor roughly 18–24%, beer 20–28%, and wine 30–40%.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include spillage and overpouring?
No. Pours per bottle assumes every millilitre is served at the entered measure. Track actual usage to see the cost of losses and overpouring.
Should cocktail mixers be included?
This calculation covers the bottle component only. Add mixers, garnishes and other ingredients when costing a complete cocktail.
Which drink price should I enter?
Use the net selling price excluding VAT or sales tax, consistently with your other beverage cost reporting.
Are my inputs saved or uploaded?
Calculations run in your browser. Inputs are not uploaded by the calculator. Sharing puts the inputs in a readable URL; anyone with that link can see them.