Costs, Pricing and Comparisons
Margins, break-even, loan payments, fees and the true cost of hiring.
business calculators
Business calculators that show their math
Run the numbers on loans, pricing, payroll, taxes and cash flow, then read the guide behind each formula so you know what the result means.
- Calculators with formulas and worked examples, not black boxes
- Guides for margins, break-even, hiring costs and self-employment tax
- Checklists and red flags to catch costly mistakes before you sign
Explore by topic
How to Calculate and Plan
Step-by-step guidance for taxes, equipment, cash flow and pricing your time.
Mistakes, Red Flags and FAQ
Common calculation errors, financing red flags and straight answers.
Start here
Costs, Pricing and Comparisons
Break-Even Point Calculator: How to Find the Sales You Need to Cover Your Costs
Step-by-step break-even formulas in units and dollars, with worked examples, a sensitivity table and the costs owners most often leave out of the calculation.
Mistakes, Red Flags and FAQ
12 Business Math Mistakes That Quietly Cost Owners Money (and How to Avoid Them)
Common calculation errors in pricing, forecasting, loans and taxes, with worked examples showing how each mistake distorts results and how to check your own numbers.
Costs, Pricing and Comparisons
Business Loan Payment Calculator: How Payments, APR and Total Cost Really Work
Understand the loan payment formula, the difference between interest rate and APR, how fees and term change total cost, and how to compare offers with a worked example.
How to Calculate and Plan
Cash Flow Runway Calculator: How Many Months Can Your Business Last?
Calculate burn rate and cash runway with simple formulas, a worked example, a 13-week forecast method and practical ways to extend your runway.
Costs, Pricing and Comparisons
Employee Cost Calculator: What a New Hire Really Costs Beyond the Paycheck
Work out the true annual cost of an employee with payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, workers' comp, benefits and overhead, using a worked example and checklist.
How to Calculate and Plan
Equipment Purchase ROI: How to Calculate Payback Before You Buy, Lease or Finance
Calculate simple and discounted payback, ROI and the buy vs. lease question for business equipment, including how tax deductions like Section 179 change the math.
Tools
Business Loan Payment Calculator
Estimate monthly payment, total interest and total cost of a term loan, including upfront fees.
Sales Fee and Take-Home Calculator
See what payment processors, marketplaces or platforms take from your sales and what you keep each month.
Equipment Payback and ROI Calculator
Estimate how long a purchase takes to pay for itself after tax savings or rebates.
Before You Trust the Numbers Checklist
A short checklist to run before you price, borrow, hire or pay estimated taxes.
Small Business Financing and Payment Options Compared
| Option | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term loan | Fixed amount repaid in regular installments with interest over a set term. | Planned purchases and expansion with predictable cash flow. | Origination fees, personal guarantees, prepayment penalties and collateral requirements. |
| SBA-backed loan | Loan from a participating lender with a partial federal guarantee under SBA programs. | Borrowers who meet SBA rules and can wait through a longer application. | Paperwork volume, timing, guarantee fees and eligibility rules that change by program. |
| Business line of credit | Revolving credit you draw on and repay as needed, paying interest on the balance. | Uneven cash flow and short-term working capital. | Variable rates, draw or maintenance fees and renewal terms. |
| Equipment financing | Loan or lease secured by the equipment being bought. | Vehicles, machines and tools that keep value. | Lease buyout terms, total cost versus buying and the equipment as collateral. |
Frequently asked questions
Are these business calculators accurate?
They apply standard formulas to the numbers you enter, so the math is only as good as your inputs. Results are estimates for planning, not quotes, tax returns or professional advice. Always confirm with a lender, a CPA or the official source.
Do you store the numbers I enter?
The calculators run in your browser to produce results. Do not enter Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or other sensitive identifiers; you never need them for an estimate.
Which calculator should I use first?
Start with the one closest to your decision. For pricing, read the margin and break-even guides. For borrowing, use the loan calculator. For hiring, read the employee cost guide. For taxes, start with the self-employment tax guide.
Why does my lender's payment differ from the calculator?
Lenders may use daily or weekly payments, variable rates, different day-count conventions, fees rolled into the balance or interest-only periods. Ask for the full amortization schedule and the APR in writing.
Are the example numbers current market rates?
No. Examples are illustrative so you can follow the arithmetic. Rates, fees and tax thresholds change, so replace them with current figures from your quotes and from official sources.
Can a calculator replace an accountant?
No. A calculator helps you understand the structure of a decision. A CPA or enrolled agent can apply tax rules to your full situation, and an attorney can review contracts.
How often is the content updated?
Guides carry an updated date and are reviewed when rules or thresholds change. For anything involving taxes or law, the IRS, your state agency and the lender's documents are the final word.
How this site is made
Shopfloor Math is an independent information project. Guides are drafted with the help of AI writing tools and checked against official and primary sources before publication; see our Editorial Policy. We are not affiliated with any provider mentioned on the site and do not sell products or services.