Apply waste before rounding. The allowance adds to net need; it is not a percentage loss from purchased quantity.
Try this with your own numbersFormula and worked example
Packs = ceiling(net quantity × (1 + waste) / pack quantity)
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
| Net quantity needed | 86 |
| Waste allowance | 10 % |
| Units per supplier pack | 12 |
| Calculated result | 8 packs |
Choose reliable inputs
Track purchased quantities, usable yield, labour and waste before deciding on a selling price. For this food truck calculation, use recipe sheets, supplier invoices and stock counts and a consistent definition of one service shift.
- Ingredients: include the portion belonging to this service shift or reporting period, and record where the value came from.
- Staffing: include the portion belonging to this service shift or reporting period, and record where the value came from.
- Site fees: include the portion belonging to this service shift or reporting period, and record where the value came from.
Use the same currency for every money input. Do not mix weekly costs with monthly revenue, or count the same expense in both an itemised cost and allocated overhead.
Should I round before or after the waste allowance?
Apply waste before rounding. The allowance adds to net need; it is not a percentage loss from purchased quantity.
What if this input changes?
If net quantity needed rises by 10%, this example changes by 1 packs. This shows the effect of one change; it does not predict what will happen.
Open the calculator, save your baseline, then change the input supported by the least reliable estimate in your records. Compare both scenarios before committing to a price or capacity promise.