Gas Station Profit Calculator
Running a gas station is a volume game. Interestingly, the gas itself is often the lowest-margin item in the business. Most profit comes from the "C-Store" (Convenience Store) and auxiliary services like car washes. Use this tool to model your station's monthly net profit.
Total gallons sold per month.
Standard is $0.10 - $0.30 per gallon.
Gross revenue from inside sales.
Standard is 30% - 40%.
Lottery commission, car wash, ATM fees.
Rent, labor, utilities, credit card fees.
The Three Pillars of Gas Station Revenue
- The Canopy (Fuel): High volume, low margin. Most stations make pennies per gallon after credit card processing fees and taxes.
- The Box (C-Store): Low volume (compared to fuel), high margin. Soda, snacks, and beer are the true profit drivers.
- The Extras: ATM fees, lottery commissions, and car washes often have the highest net margins because they require little incremental labor.
Profit Calculation Formula
Fuel Profit = Volume × Margin per Gallon
C-Store Profit = Sales × Margin %
Net Profit = (Fuel Profit + C-Store Profit + Other Revenue) - Exercises
C-Store Profit = Sales × Margin %
Net Profit = (Fuel Profit + C-Store Profit + Other Revenue) - Exercises
Industry Averages & Benchmarks
| Metric | Average Range |
|---|---|
| Fuel Margin (Net) | $0.05 - $0.15 per gallon |
| C-Store Gross Margin | 30% - 42% |
| Credit Card Fees | $0.02 - $0.05 per gallon |
| Labor Cost | 10% - 15% of gross sales |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does gas price change so often?
Gas stations typically operate on a "replacement cost" basis. If the price of the next delivery goes up, they must raise prices immediately to ensure they have enough cash to buy the next load of fuel, even if the current gas in their tanks was cheaper.
How much does a car wash contribute?
A professional car wash can have a gross profit margin of 70% or higher. It is often the single most profitable square footage on a gas station lot, which is why many stations aggressively market "Premium Car Wash" bundles with fuel purchases.
What is the biggest risk to gas station profit?
Aside from fuel price volatility, the biggest risks are credit card fraud (at the pump), shrink (theft inside the store), and the long-term transition toward electric vehicles which reduces foot traffic at the canopy.