Used Car Profit Margin Calculator
Work out the real profit, margin and markup on a used car after the purchase price, fees, repairs and other costs.
Last checked November 14, 2026
- Total cost in the car
- $9,550
- Profit on this car
- $2,950
- Margin (profit as a share of the price)
- 23.6%
- Markup (profit as a share of cost)
- 30.9%
Margin and markup
Margin is profit as a share of the selling price. Markup is profit as a share of what the car cost you. A car that costs $10,000 and sells for $12,500 has a 20% margin and a 25% markup. Dealers mix them up, so decide which one you use.
Count every cost
Include the purchase price, auction and transport fees, repairs, detail and anything else spent on the car. Profit that ignores recon is not profit.
Common questions
What is a good profit per car?
It depends on your market and how fast cars turn. Track your own numbers per car and watch the trend.
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