Return Rate Cost Calculator

Return Rate Cost. Calculate expected return volume and average return cost per original order from a return rate and loss per return.

Formula reviewed September 1, 2026 · Runs locally in your browser

OrdersReturn rate (%)Net loss per return ($)

Enter your numbers and calculate.

Worked example

1,000 orders with a 10% return rate and an $18 net loss per return implies 100 returns and $1,800 of modeled loss, or $1.80 spread across every original order.

What to do with the result

Adding the per-order return allowance to your normal product economics prevents return-heavy products from looking better than they are.

Frequently asked questions

What is net loss per return?

The economic loss that remains after any inventory recovery, restocking, refund reversal or resale value.

Why spread return cost across all orders?

It creates an expected-cost allowance that can be included in each order's unit economics.