Calculators
Bar Pour Cost Calculator
Calculate the cost per pour, pour cost percentage and price for a target pour cost from bottle price, size and pour size.
- Runs in your browser
- Nothing uploaded
The tool
Enter your numbers below. Results update as you type, and nothing leaves your browser.
Everything you enter stays on your own machine. Nothing is sent to us or to anyone else, which you can confirm in your browser network tab.
What people use it for
- Pricing cocktails and spirits
- Bar inventory control
- Training bartenders
- Menu engineering for drinks
About this tool
What the Bar Pour Cost Calculator does
Pour cost is the cost of the alcohol in a drink as a percentage of its price. Divide the bottle cost by the number of pours it yields (allowing for spillage) to get the cost per pour, then compare with the drink price. Bars commonly target around 18% to 24% for spirits.
Formula
- Pours per bottle = bottle size ÷ pour size × (1 − waste)
- Cost per drink = bottle cost ÷ pours + mixers
- Pour cost % = cost per drink ÷ drink price
Worked example
Using the starting values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Bottle cost | $28.00 |
| Bottle size | 750 ml |
| Pour size | 44 ml |
| Spillage and over-pour allowance | 5% |
| Drink price | $10.00 |
| Mixers and garnish per drink | $0.40 |
| Target pour cost | 20% |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Pour cost percentage | 21.3% |
| Cost per drink | $2.13 |
| Pours per bottle | 16.2 |
| Price for target pour cost | $10.65 |
How to read the result
Measured pours with jiggers or pourers protect pour cost more than any price change.
Compare actual usage from inventory counts with sales; the gap reveals over-pouring, spillage or theft.
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Questions
Questions about this tool
The things clients actually want to know — costs, timelines, ownership and what happens after launch.
Often around 18% to 24% for spirits, higher for wine and draught beer.
About 17 pours of 44 ml (1.5 oz), before any spillage.
Use measured pours, check inventory regularly and price drinks to target.
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