Packaging Cost Per Order Calculator

Packaging is one of the most underestimated costs in delivery. A few cents per container, bag, set of cutlery and label add up across every single order, and they come straight out of your margin. Knowing the exact cost per order lets you build it into your delivery prices and spot when packaging is quietly eroding profitability.

The tool sums the unit cost of each packaging item multiplied by the quantity used in a typical order: packaging cost = sum of (unit cost x quantity). It then divides that total by the average order value to show the packaging impact as a percentage of the order.

Include everything that physically goes out with the order: food containers and lids, the carrier bag, cutlery and napkins, sauce pots, branded sleeves or stickers, and labels. Even items used in pairs (such as two labels) should be entered with the right quantity, because small repeated items add up.

It varies by concept, but on an average order packaging often lands around 2-4% of order value. If yours is materially higher, look at right-sizing containers, buying in larger volumes, or raising the minimum order so packaging is spread over a bigger basket.

Take the per-order packaging cost from this calculator and feed it into the delivery menu price calculator and the minimum order value calculator, so packaging is properly absorbed alongside commission and food cost when you set prices.