Gross vs Operating vs Net Profit Margin
Each margin answers a different question using the same denominator: net revenue. Gross margin shows what remains after the direct cost of sales. Operating margin goes further by including operating expenses. Net margin includes non-operating items, interest and income tax, making it the broadest bottom-line measure in this simplified statement.
| Margin | Profit numerator | Main costs included | Useful for | Common limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross | Revenue − cost of sales | Direct product or service delivery costs | Pricing, production and delivery economics | Cost classifications vary between businesses |
| Operating | Gross profit − operating expenses + other operating items | Direct costs plus ordinary operating overhead | Core operating performance | May include different operating items under different reporting policies |
| Net | Operating profit + non-operating items − interest − tax | All items entered through the bottom line | Overall profitability attributable to the period | Can move because of financing, tax or one-off items |
