ATO benchmarks for fish and chip shops
Fish and chip shops sell fried and grilled seafood, chips, burgers and drinks for takeaway, with busy evening and weekend trade, while seafood, potatoes, cooking oil and staff are their main costs.
General information
Total expenses as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 to $250,000 | 2023-24 | 79% | 86% |
| $65,000 to $250,000 | 2022-23 | 79% | 87% |
| $250,001 to $500,000 | 2023-24 | 80% | 89% |
| $250,001 to $500,000 | 2022-23 | 79% | 88% |
| More than $500,000 | 2023-24 | 81% | 90% |
| More than $500,000 | 2022-23 | 81% | 91% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
Cost of sales as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 to $250,000 | 2023-24 | 43% | 49% |
| $65,000 to $250,000 | 2022-23 | 42% | 49% |
| $250,001 to $500,000 | 2023-24 | 45% | 51% |
| $250,001 to $500,000 | 2022-23 | 45% | 51% |
| More than $500,000 | 2023-24 | 44% | 50% |
| More than $500,000 | 2022-23 | 45% | 52% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What sits behind these figures in the books
- Cost of sales covers the fish, seafood, potatoes, batter mix, cooking oil and drinks bought for sale, adjusted for frozen and fresh stock on hand at the end of the period.
- Cash and card takings from the register are checked against the day's sales report and banked promptly, so turnover in the books matches the food actually sold.
- Freezer stock is counted at the end of each period, so bulk seafood bought ahead is carried as stock instead of all counting as cost of sales when it is bought.
Sources
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2023-24 financial year, released 16 March 2026. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2022-23 financial year, released 17 March 2025. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
Get your books in order
Cost of sales and total expenses are only as reliable as the books behind them. Tell us how your business runs and we will suggest a bookkeeping plan that fits.