A 30% profit margin is considered strong for most physical product businesses and is above average for retail. It provides a healthy buffer for unexpected costs and leaves room for reinvestment in growth. Service businesses typically aim even higher.

Divide your cost by 0.70 (which is 1 minus the margin percentage). For example, if your cost is $70, the selling price for a 30% margin is $70 ÷ 0.70 = $100. This formula works for any target margin percentage.

A 30% margin means profit is 30% of the selling price, while a 30% markup means profit is 30% of the cost. A $70 cost with a 30% margin sells for $100, but with a 30% markup it sells for only $91. Margin-based pricing always yields a higher price than the same percentage markup.