Finance

Optimal Price Calculator

Find the price that maximizes your profit using price elasticity of demand.

Optimal Price
Optimal Markup
Profit Margin
Formula (Lerner Index):
Optimal Price = Cost × (E / (1 + E))
Where E = Price Elasticity of Demand (negative value)

How to Find the Optimal Price

Using the inverse elasticity pricing rule (Lerner condition), the profit-maximizing price depends on your marginal cost and the price elasticity of demand. More elastic demand (higher absolute value) leads to lower optimal markups.

Key Insights

  • Elasticity must be < -1 — You should only sell in the elastic portion of the demand curve
  • Higher elasticity — More price-sensitive customers, lower optimal markup
  • Lower elasticity — Less sensitive customers, higher markup possible