Bodyshop Job Cost & Profit Calculator

Stop guessing, start profiting. This tool helps you understand your true costs and generate quotes that ensure the profitability and sustainability of your business.

1. Your Shop's Financials

2. Job-Specific Costs

3. Quote & Profit Analysis

Total Material Cost: $0.00 Total Labor Cost: $0.00 Shop Overhead Cost: $0.00
Your Break-Even Cost: $0.00

Suggested Customer Quote

$0.00

Estimated Profit

$0.00

This calculator provides a financial estimate based on the data you provide. It is intended for guidance and planning purposes only. Actual job costs, market rates, and profit margins may vary. This tool is not a substitute for professional financial advice.

The Business of Auto Body Repair & FAQ

Understanding the numbers that drive a successful, sustainable workshop.

What is "Shop Overhead Rate" and why is it so important?

Overhead represents all the non-billable costs of running your business: rent, electricity, insurance, tool maintenance, office supplies, etc. If you only charge for materials and labor, you are paying for these costs out of your own pocket. Applying an overhead rate (typically as a percentage of your labor cost) ensures that every job pays its fair share of keeping the lights on, which is the foundation of a profitable business.

The Difference Between Markup and Margin (And Why It's Critical for Profit)

This is the most important concept in pricing. A Markup is adding a percentage to your costs. For example, a $100 cost marked up by 25% is $125. A Profit Margin is the percentage of the final price that is profit. To get a 25% profit margin on a $100 cost, you must divide the cost by (1 - 0.25), which equals $133.33. This tool uses the correct profit margin formula to ensure your desired profit is what you actually take home.

What's a healthy profit margin for an auto body shop?

This varies widely by location, specialization, and business model, but a general range for a healthy net profit margin is often cited as being between 15% and 30%. This allows for reinvestment in tools and training, business growth, and a fair owner's salary. This calculator helps you target and achieve that goal consistently.