> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.arbitrageone.de/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What do Margin, ROI, Profit and Max Cost mean in the calculation?

> Understand the key metrics Margin, ROI, Profit and Max Cost in the Sourcing View.

## Short description

In the Sourcing View you see the metrics Margin, ROI, Profit and Max Cost for every product. This article explains what each number means and how it's calculated.

## The metrics at a glance

### Margin (profit margin)

Shows what percentage of the selling price remains as profit, AFTER deducting all costs (CoG, Amazon fees, shipping).

→ Example: Margin 16.3% means 16.3% of the SP is profit.

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/arbitrageonegmbh/articles/sourcing/images/sourcing-mastersheet-calculation.png" alt="Margin display in the Mastersheet" />

### ROI (Return on Investment)

Shows what percentage return you get on your invested CoG.

→ Example: ROI 24.6% means you earn €24.60 profit for every €100 invested.
→ ROI is always higher than Margin.

### Profit

The absolute profit per sold unit in euros.

→ Example: Profit €27.96 = that's what you earn per unit.

### Max Cost (maximum purchase price)

The highest price you can pay for the product to still reach your minimum margin.

→ Example: Max Cost €126.45 = don't buy for more than that.
→ Defined in the Calculation settings.

## Important notes

* The calculation depends on your **Settings → Calculation** settings (VAT, shipping costs, Amazon fees). → Open directly in the app: [app.arbitrageone.de/settings/calculation](https://app.arbitrageone.de/settings/calculation)
* If VCS is enabled, VAT is calculated differently than without VCS.
* When in doubt: check under Settings → General whether VCS is configured correctly.

## Common issues

**Issue:** "My Margin doesn't add up"
**Solution:** Check Settings → Calculation and whether VCS is set correctly.

**Issue:** "Max Cost is way too low"
**Solution:** Your minimum margin in the settings is probably set too high.

## Related articles

* [How do I set up my calculation basics?](../erste-schritte/kalkulationsgrundlagen-einrichten)