Open the App

Subjects

Business

3 Dec 2025

316

5 pages

Basic Business Calculations Made Simple

user profile picture

Megleg @megleg2007

Ever wondered how businesses actually make money? Understanding the basic maths behind revenue, costs, and profit is absolutely... Show more

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Revenue Basics

Revenue is simply the money a business gets from selling its products or services - think of it as the cash flowing in before any expenses. The formula couldn't be more straightforward selling price per unit × quantity sold.

Let's say Miranda's burger business sells 400 packs at £3 each - that's £1,200 in revenue. When she raises the price to £3.50, her revenue jumps to £1,400, which is a 16% increase.

Quick tip Revenue always rises in direct proportion to quantity sold - double the sales, double the revenue!

To calculate percentage changes, use (difference ÷ original) × 100. This formula will pop up everywhere in business studies, so get comfortable with it now.

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Understanding Business Costs

Costs are all the money a business spends to create and sell its products. Without understanding costs, you can't figure out if you're actually making money - even with high revenue!

There are two main types you need to know. Fixed costs stay the same regardless of how much you produce - like rent (£500 per month whether you make 10 or 1,000 products), insurance, and salaries.

Variable costs change with your output levels. Raw materials, hourly wages, and packaging all increase when you produce more. The key formula here is total cost = fixed costs + variable costs.

Remember A business could have massive revenue but still lose money if costs are too high!

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Cost Calculations in Action

Working out your total variable cost is straightforward variable cost per unit × output. Then add your fixed costs to get the complete picture.

Let's break down Miranda's March costs. Her fixed costs (rent, insurance, salary) total £1,105. Her variable costs are £2.27 per burger pack, so for 400 packs that's £908. Total costs £2,013.

Average unit cost tells you what each product actually costs to make total cost ÷ output. This number is gold dust for pricing decisions.

Pro tip Keep track of both fixed and variable costs separately - it makes business planning much easier!

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Calculating Profit and Loss

Profit is your reward for taking business risks - it's what's left after paying all your bills. The magic formula profit = sales revenue - total costs.

Understanding the three possible outcomes is crucial. If revenue exceeds costs, you've got profit. When they're equal, you break even. When costs are higher than revenue, you're making a loss (shown in brackets like this (£25,000)).

Take Gnome Bargains they spend £12,500 making 5,000 gnomes (£2.50 each). Selling them at £7 each generates £35,000 revenue, leaving £22,500 profit.

Key insight High revenue doesn't guarantee profit - controlling costs is just as important as boosting sales!

The beauty of these calculations is their simplicity, yet they drive every major business decision you'll encounter.

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

4

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Business

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Business

316

3 Dec 2025

5 pages

Basic Business Calculations Made Simple

user profile picture

Megleg

@megleg2007

Ever wondered how businesses actually make money? Understanding the basic maths behind revenue, costs, and profit is absolutely crucial for business success - and it's simpler than you might think! These calculations form the foundation of every business decision you'll... Show more

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Revenue Basics

Revenue is simply the money a business gets from selling its products or services - think of it as the cash flowing in before any expenses. The formula couldn't be more straightforward: selling price per unit × quantity sold.

Let's say Miranda's burger business sells 400 packs at £3 each - that's £1,200 in revenue. When she raises the price to £3.50, her revenue jumps to £1,400, which is a 16% increase.

Quick tip: Revenue always rises in direct proportion to quantity sold - double the sales, double the revenue!

To calculate percentage changes, use: (difference ÷ original) × 100. This formula will pop up everywhere in business studies, so get comfortable with it now.

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Understanding Business Costs

Costs are all the money a business spends to create and sell its products. Without understanding costs, you can't figure out if you're actually making money - even with high revenue!

There are two main types you need to know. Fixed costs stay the same regardless of how much you produce - like rent (£500 per month whether you make 10 or 1,000 products), insurance, and salaries.

Variable costs change with your output levels. Raw materials, hourly wages, and packaging all increase when you produce more. The key formula here is: total cost = fixed costs + variable costs.

Remember: A business could have massive revenue but still lose money if costs are too high!

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Cost Calculations in Action

Working out your total variable cost is straightforward: variable cost per unit × output. Then add your fixed costs to get the complete picture.

Let's break down Miranda's March costs. Her fixed costs (rent, insurance, salary) total £1,105. Her variable costs are £2.27 per burger pack, so for 400 packs that's £908. Total costs: £2,013.

Average unit cost tells you what each product actually costs to make: total cost ÷ output. This number is gold dust for pricing decisions.

Pro tip: Keep track of both fixed and variable costs separately - it makes business planning much easier!

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Calculating Profit and Loss

Profit is your reward for taking business risks - it's what's left after paying all your bills. The magic formula: profit = sales revenue - total costs.

Understanding the three possible outcomes is crucial. If revenue exceeds costs, you've got profit. When they're equal, you break even. When costs are higher than revenue, you're making a loss (shown in brackets like this: (£25,000)).

Take Gnome Bargains: they spend £12,500 making 5,000 gnomes (£2.50 each). Selling them at £7 each generates £35,000 revenue, leaving £22,500 profit.

Key insight: High revenue doesn't guarantee profit - controlling costs is just as important as boosting sales!

The beauty of these calculations is their simplicity, yet they drive every major business decision you'll encounter.

Business studies
Basic calculations: Revenue, Costs and Profit
Do now -
1. What is a business plan?
A document that describes a business, it

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

4

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Business

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user