Dropshipping profit calculator: profit per order and break-even ad cost
Before you test a product, run the numbers. This free calculator shows your profit per order and the most you can spend to get each order without losing money.
By the Build Brand Grow team · Last updated October 12, 2026 · About us
See the Starter Kit: $37Dropshipping profit calculator
Enter your numbers per order. Nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
How the calculation works
- Fees = selling price × fee percent + fixed fee.
- Expected refunds = selling price × refund rate.
- Margin before marketing = price minus supplier cost, fees and refunds.
- Profit per order = margin before marketing minus marketing cost per order.
The margin before marketing is also your break-even marketing cost: spend more than that to win each order and you lose money.
Choosing your inputs
Supplier cost
Include product and shipping. Check it on a sample order.
Payment fees
Processors usually charge a percentage plus a fixed fee per order. Use your processor's current rates.
Marketing cost per order
With paid ads, divide ad spend by orders. With organic videos the cash cost may be near zero, but your time still counts.
Refund rate
Use a cautious estimate until you have real data.
What the calculator leaves out
- Monthly platform and app subscriptions.
- Sample orders and tests that did not work.
- Taxes and chargebacks.
Spread fixed monthly costs over your expected orders for a fuller picture.
Worked examples
| Price | Supplier cost | Fees | Refunds | Marketing | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30.00 | $14.00 | $1.20 | $0.90 | $5.00 | $8.90 |
| $30.00 | $14.00 | $1.20 | $0.90 | $20.00 | -$6.10 |
| $45.00 | $18.00 | $1.65 | $1.35 | $10.00 | $14.00 |
Fees assume 3% plus $0.30 per order and refunds assume 3% of price. These are illustrations of the math only.
How to use the result
- If profit per order is negative at your expected marketing cost, change the price, the product or the channel.
- If it is small, check whether it covers your fixed monthly costs.
- Recalculate when supplier prices or fees change.
From profit per order to monthly profit
Multiply profit per order by orders per month, then subtract fixed monthly costs such as your platform plan and apps. If the result is negative, you need more orders, a higher margin or lower fixed costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good profit per order?
There is no single number. It must cover your fixed monthly costs and the time you spend.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is a math tool for planning.
Related guides and comparisons
- AI dropshipping
- Dropshipping with no money
- How to choose a dropshipping course
- Best dropshipping courses 2026
- Is dropshipping still profitable in 2026?
- How much money to start dropshipping
- How long until dropshipping is profitable
- Do you need an LLC for dropshipping?
- Free vs paid dropshipping courses
- TikTok dropshipping for beginners
- Dropshipping product research
- How to find dropshipping suppliers
Want a simple, low-cost way to start?
Build Brand Grow is a one-time $37 starter kit: pick a product, build a small store and grow it with short videos on TikTok, Instagram and X.
General information only, not financial or legal advice. Dropshipping involves risk of loss, and no course can promise income.
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