Pour cost calculator

Find the cost of each pour and the price you need to hit your target pour cost.

Add your current price to see the pour cost at your price.

Pours per bottle
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Cost per pour
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Price at target
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Pour cost at your price
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How the math works

  1. Ounces in the bottle = bottle size in ml ÷ 29.57.
  2. Usable ounces = ounces × (1 − waste %).
  3. Cost per pour = bottle cost ÷ usable ounces × pour size.
  4. Price at target = cost per pour ÷ target pour cost.

Example: a $24 liter, 1.5 oz pours, 5% waste and a 20% target gives about 21 pours at $1.12 each, so the drink should sell for about $5.60.

What is a good pour cost?

Many bars aim for about 18-24% on liquor and 25-35% on wine by the glass. Premium spirits often run higher, and well drinks lower. Your mix matters more than one number: check the blended pour cost across all sales, not only single drinks.

Pour cost creeps up when pours are not measured and inventory is counted rarely. A weekly count catches problems before they show up in your monthly P&L.