Free Worldwide Shipping on orders $5,000!

Export Profit Calculator

← Export & Import
Export Pricing Tool Free

FOB vs CIF Price Calculator

Build your FOB price, add freight and insurance, and see your CIF quote in seconds.

1Build FOBProduct + export costs + margin
2Add CIF costsFreight + insurance
3ComparePrice, unit cost & insights
STEP 1

Enter your export costs

● Live calculation
01
FOB costCosts up to loading the goods at the origin port
Purchase / manufacturing cost
02
PricingSet quantity and your target profit margin
Profit as a percentage of the FOB selling price
Automatically calculated from the FOB cost components above
Enter your selling price, or leave blank to calculate it from the margin
01
CIF inputsAdd the main carriage and insurance to your FOB quote
⚖️
FOB vs CIF comparison

Fill the FOB and CIF inputs, then calculate. The results panel will show the price difference, freight/insurance share and unit economics.

👥
Buyer vs seller responsibilities

Use the table below to see which party typically handles major cost and logistics activities under FOB and CIF.

🧭
Decision Assistant

Answer these practical questions. The tool will show the factors behind its result — you remain in control of the final Incoterm choice.

STEP 3

Your export price

Results
FOB PriceCalculated selling price before main freight & insurance
FOB Quote / Unit Quote when buyer arranges main freight
CIF Quote / Unit Quote including freight + insurance
Use these two per-unit figures side by side when deciding whether to quote your buyer on FOB or CIF terms.
FOB Cost
Freight
Insurance
CIF Price
CIF − FOB
Profit on FOB
FOB Cost / Unit
Assistant result

Buyer vs Seller Responsibilities

ActivityFOBCIF
ProductSellerSeller
PackingSellerSeller
Transport to portSellerSeller
Export customsSellerSeller
Loading on vesselSellerSeller
Main freightBuyerSeller
Insurance (main carriage)BuyerSeller
Import customsBuyerBuyer
Destination deliveryBuyerBuyer

Risk under both FOB and CIF typically transfers when goods are on board at the origin port. Always confirm the Incoterms year and named place in the contract.

FOB Cost Breakdown

FOB vs CIF Price

FOB
CIF

💡 Smart Insights

    🔮 What-If Analysis

    Freight change
    Insurance change

    What is FOB?

    Free On Board — seller delivers goods on board at the named port of shipment. Buyer arranges and pays main carriage and insurance.

    What is CIF?

    Cost, Insurance and Freight — seller pays cost, minimum insurance and freight to the named destination port. Risk still transfers on loading at origin.

    When to Choose FOB

    Buyer has better freight rates, seller wants less logistics responsibility, or buyer insists on controlling the carrier.

    When to Choose CIF

    Buyer wants a simpler all-in price to destination port, or seller has competitive freight rates.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does FOB mean?

    Free On Board — seller delivery point is on board the vessel at the origin port.

    What does CIF mean?

    Cost, Insurance and Freight to the named destination port, paid by the seller.

    Does CIF mean seller bears risk until destination?

    No. Risk typically transfers on loading at origin.

    How is FOB price built?

    Product + packing + inland + export clearance + loading + desired profit.

    How is CIF price built?

    FOB price + main freight + insurance.

    Who pays freight under FOB?

    The buyer.

    Who pays freight under CIF?

    The seller (included in CIF price).

    Which is better for exporters?

    Depends on freight competitiveness and buyer preference.

    Can I quote both FOB and CIF?

    Yes — many exporters offer both options.

    Is CIF insurance full cover?

    Standard CIF is minimum cover; buyer may buy more.

    Do Incoterms replace the contract?

    No — they allocate cost and risk points.

    FOB for air freight?

    FOB is for sea/inland waterway; FCA is often better for air.

    Why name the port?

    The named place defines where cost and risk obligations apply.

    How does freight volatility affect CIF?

    Seller absorbs moves unless the contract allows adjustment.

    Common mistake?

    Calling a price CIF without including proper freight and insurance.

    Who handles export documents?

    Generally the seller under both FOB and CIF.

    LC and Incoterms?

    Letter of credit documents must match the chosen term.

    Can students use this tool?

    Yes — it maps cost heads and responsibility differences clearly.

    Does CIF include import duty?

    No — import clearance and duties remain with the buyer.

    Should margin sit in FOB or CIF?

    Build profit into FOB first, then add freight and insurance for CIF.

    Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimated FOB and CIF prices for educational and business planning purposes only. Actual prices depend on commercial negotiations, freight rates, insurance premiums, exchange rates, Incoterms and contractual terms.