Calculator form
Use the responsive grid below. Large screens show three columns, smaller screens show two, and mobile shows one.
Example data table
| Item | Price | Food Cost | Units Sold | CM / Unit | Total CM | Typical Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Burger | $14.00 | $5.20 | 220 | $8.80 | $1,936.00 | Star |
| Truffle Pasta | $19.00 | $8.50 | 95 | $10.50 | $997.50 | Puzzle |
| Chicken Wrap | $11.00 | $5.10 | 210 | $5.90 | $1,239.00 | Plowhorse |
| Side Salad | $7.00 | $3.80 | 70 | $3.20 | $224.00 | Dog |
Formula used
CM = Selling Price − Food Cost
Total CM = Contribution Margin per Unit × Units Sold
Food Cost % = (Food Cost ÷ Selling Price) × 100
Popularity % = (Item Units Sold ÷ Total Units Sold) × 100
Benchmark CM = Total Contribution Margin ÷ Total Units Sold
Popularity Benchmark = 70% × Average Menu Mix Percentage
Items with high contribution margin and high popularity are Stars. High contribution margin but low popularity items are Puzzles. Low contribution margin but high popularity items are Plowhorses. Low contribution margin and low popularity items are Dogs.
How to use this calculator
- Enter each menu item name.
- Add the selling price for one unit.
- Add the direct food cost for one unit.
- Enter the number of units sold in your review period.
- Use “Add Item” for more dishes.
- Click the calculate button.
- Review totals, rankings, and menu engineering categories.
- Export the results as CSV or PDF when needed.
Frequently asked questions
1) What does contribution margin mean in menu engineering?
Contribution margin is the money left after subtracting direct food cost from selling price. It helps restaurants see which items add more gross profit per sale.
2) Why is popularity important with contribution margin?
A profitable dish is not always a strong menu item if guests rarely order it. Popularity shows demand, while contribution margin shows financial strength. Together they support better pricing and promotion decisions.
3) What is a Star item?
A Star has strong popularity and strong contribution margin. These items usually deserve premium placement, consistent quality control, and protection from unnecessary discounts.
4) What is a Puzzle item?
A Puzzle earns high contribution margin but sells below the popularity benchmark. Restaurants often test better descriptions, photos, placement, bundles, or staff recommendations to improve demand.
5) What is a Plowhorse item?
A Plowhorse sells well but produces weaker contribution margin. Operators may review portion size, recipe cost, add-ons, and price positioning to improve profitability without hurting demand.
6) What is a Dog item?
A Dog has low popularity and low contribution margin. These items may need redesign, repositioning, or removal if they do not support brand identity or guest expectations.
7) Should labor be included in food cost here?
This version focuses on direct food cost and sales performance. You can expand analysis later with labor, packaging, delivery fees, or overhead for a wider profitability review.
8) How often should menu engineering be reviewed?
Many restaurants review monthly or quarterly, depending on sales volume and ingredient volatility. Frequent review helps catch price pressure, shifting guest preferences, and declining item performance early.