⚡ In short – how it helps
Cooks know recipes for one portion, but the daily menu or an event needs 10, 50 or 100. This calculator scales quantities in one click and shows the cost and a sensible price per portion.
Recipe scaling & food cost calculator
What is a recipe card and why do you need it?
A recipe card lists exactly which ingredients and how much go into one portion. It drives menu pricing, purchasing and stock, and shows inspectors that served portions match the recipe. When everyone follows it, the dish and its cost stay consistent.
How to scale to 10, 50 or 100 portions
Always start from one portion and multiply – no rounding drift. For big batches scale salt, spices and thickeners more carefully (start at 80–90% and adjust), as large pots evaporate less and spices feel stronger. Cooking time doesn't scale linearly either.
Don't forget trimming loss
Recipe amounts are usually trimmed (net) weight. Peeled potatoes lose 15–20%, onions 10%, bone-in meat up to 30%. Buy the gross amount: net ÷ (1 − loss%). Pricing per gross weight makes the cost more accurate.
3 golden rules for recipe cards
1) Weigh, don't guess – a kitchen scale pays off in a week. 2) Update purchase prices monthly – meat and veg prices move fast, and so does your margin. 3) Record waste and leftovers to see the true cost per portion.
How to use it
- 1Enter ingredients for one portion: name, amount, unit, net purchase price.
- 2Pick the number of portions (1–100 or any).
- 3Copy or print the list and check the suggested price.
Frequently asked questions
How do I scale a recipe to 10 portions?
Enter the recipe for one portion and click “10 portions” – every amount and the total cost is multiplied automatically.
Which price should I enter?
The net purchase price per kg, litre or piece. Grams, dkg, dl and ml are converted automatically.
Should spices scale exactly?
For big batches start salt and spices at 80–90% and adjust – they taste stronger in large pots.
What food cost should I aim for?
Restaurants usually aim for 25–35%. The suggested gross price is a starting point – confirm VAT with your accountant.
OneMin does this for you automatically.
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