Calculate bottle cost per shot from real pour size and waste, set a menu price from target pour cost, or compare two bottle sizes and prices.

USD cost planning. Usable shots are an average after estimated waste; a fractional shot is not a complete serving. Menu pricing excludes labor, overhead, tax and other unentered costs.

Optional settings

Blank means zero. Waste reduces usable bottle volume.

Related Calculators

Cost Per Shot Formula

CPS = BC / SPB

Variables:

  • CPS is the cost per shot (USD/shot). SPB uses usable bottle volume after estimated waste.
  • BC is the bottle cost ($)
  • SPB is the shots per bottle

To calculate the Cost Per Shot, divide the cost by the number of shots per bottle.

How to Calculate Cost Per Shot?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Cost Per Shot.

  1. First, determine the bottle cost ($). 
  2. Next, determine the shots per bottle. 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = CPS = BC / SPB.
  4. Finally, calculate the Cost Per Shot.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

bottle cost ($) = 500

shots per bottle = 30; cost per shot = $500 / 30 ≈ $16.67.

FAQs

What factors can affect the cost per shot of liquor?

The cost per shot can be influenced by several factors including the purchase price of the bottle, the type and brand of liquor, the size of the bottle, and the amount poured per shot. Taxes and local pricing can also play a significant role in determining the final cost per shot.

How can bars and restaurants use the cost per shot calculator to increase profitability?

Bars and restaurants can estimate a selling price from liquor cost, entered serving extras and a target beverage-cost percentage. This percentage is a share of selling price, not markup or net profit. Labor, overhead, tax and other unentered expenses remain outside the calculation.

Is it more cost-effective to buy larger bottles of liquor for commercial use?

Generally, buying in bulk, including larger bottles of liquor, can be more cost-effective for commercial use due to lower cost per volume. However, this also depends on the consumption rate, storage capacity, and the potential for increased waste if the liquor does not get consumed before it spoils or loses quality.

Can the cost per shot calculator be used for beverages other than liquor, such as wine or beer?

While the cost per shot calculator is primarily designed for calculating the cost of liquor shots, it can be adapted for use with other beverages by adjusting the volume measurements. For wine and beer, enter the actual portion size; the same volume-based formula applies. This calculator uses USD and US fluid ounces, not Imperial fluid ounces.