Estimated vs. Target Cost: Track Your Recipe Margins

The Problem

You set a target food cost when you created the recipe, but ingredient prices have changed. Is your actual cost still hitting that target? Are you making the margin you planned?

The Solution

BarSight shows both numbers side-by-side. Target Cost is your goal. Estimated Cost is what it actually costs based on current ingredient prices. Compare them instantly to spot margin problems.

How to Read It

1. Open any recipe in Kitchen → Recipes
2. Look at the cost section on the recipe form
3. Estimated Cost - calculated automatically from ingredient costs
4. Target Cost - what you want to spend (your goal)
5. If Estimated > Target, you're over budget on this recipe

[SCREENSHOT: Recipe form showing Estimated Cost and Target Cost side by side]

Pro Tip

Check Estimated Cost after receiving inventory at new prices. A supplier price increase flows through to all recipes using that ingredient - you might need to adjust your menu prices.

Learn More

For more on recipe costing, see our Kitchen Recipes: Standard, Prep & Resale Types guide.