FOOD COST VARIANCE CALCULATOR
Food Cost Variance Calculator
Use sample sales and food cost figures to compare a scenario. A gap does not establish waste or theft.
A free tool from QSolve — running on the Windows and Android devices already in use.
This browser simulation uses fixed formulas and rules. No AI request is made to produce these results.
Example calculation, not financial advice or an industry benchmark.
Reconcile food cost for one outlet
Advanced scenario. Synthetic examples only. Separate inputs from the quick calculator above; nothing is uploaded or saved.
Assumptions and calculation notes
Use one outlet and one period. Menu rows use units sold and current recipe food cost per portion. Waste and staff meals must already be included in stock usage: they explain the gap, not increase actual cost. A signed remainder is not proof of waste or theft.
Figures and meaning
What to check next
How this is calculated
Actual food cost uses opening stock + purchases − closing stock, divided by sales for the same period. Reconcile returns, transfers and adjustments. This compares cost with a target; it does not explain the cause.
Gap in percentage points = actual cost % minus target %. Cost above target = sales × positive gap / 100 × outlets. Annual estimate assumes 12 unchanged months.
Scenario assumptions
Colour ranges are examples: up to 2, above 2 to 3, and above 3 percentage points. They are not industry standards or evidence of loss.
Illustrative scenarios, not industry standards.
How each tool works & FAQ
Does the gap prove waste?
No. Review recipes, purchase prices, stock counts, portions and waste records before deciding the cause.
Can purchases alone show actual food cost?
No. Opening and closing stock and relevant adjustments are also needed for the same period.