Business valuation calculator that shows the multiple behind your number
Enter five facts about your company and see a value range in one minute, with the multiple, the method and the adjustments spelled out. No card required, and your numbers stay private until you publish.
How the business valuation calculator works
- 1 Earnings base. Owner-run companies are valued on SDE, companies with a management team on EBITDA.
- 2 Industry multiple range. Each of the 24 industries has a low, mid and high multiple range drawn from published deal market ranges.
- 3 Size. Larger earnings usually earn a higher multiple, because the risk per dollar is lower.
- 4 Trend and age. Growing revenue and a longer track record move the value up the range, a declining trend moves it down.
- 5 Result. A low, mid and high value, the multiple used and a listing preview with an asking price.
SDE or EBITDA, which one to enter
| Measure | What it is | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| SDE | Net profit plus one owner's salary and benefits, interest, depreciation, amortization and one-time costs | Owner-run Main Street companies, usually below about 1 million USD in earnings |
| EBITDA | Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, after paying market wages to management | Companies with a management team, usually above about 1 million USD in earnings |
The full method with a worked calculation is in business valuation formula.
Typical multiple ranges by company type
- Owner-run service and retail companies, often 2 to 3 times SDE
- Trade contractors with technicians and recurring service agreements, often 3 to 4 times SDE
- Asset-heavy companies such as car washes and laundromats, often priced on cash flow with equipment and real estate considered separately
- Lower mid-market companies with management, often 4 to 7 times EBITDA
Ranges move with interest rates, lender appetite and buyer demand. The calculator applies the range for your industry, not a single national average.
What your account unlocks
- Full valuation report as PDF with the earnings recast and value drivers
- Comparable multiples for your industry by deal size
- Broker matches in your state and industry
- A listing draft you can publish
What a calculator cannot see
A calculator works from the numbers you enter. A buyer and a lender will also price your lease, customer concentration, staff, equipment condition, working capital and the quality of your books. Use the range as a starting point for a conversation with a broker or as a reality check before you sell my business. To understand the inputs before you enter them, read how to determine valuation of a business.
How accurate is an online business valuation calculator
It gives a realistic range when the SDE or EBITDA you enter is accurate. The final price depends on due diligence, financing and negotiation, so expect a broker's opinion of value or a formal appraisal to refine it.
Is the valuation confidential
Yes. Your inputs are stored in your session and in your account if you create one. Nothing is published unless you publish a listing.
What is a good SDE multiple
For most owner-run companies, 2 to 3.5 times SDE is common. Recurring revenue, growth, a management layer and low customer concentration push it higher.
Do I need an appraisal for an SBA loan
SBA lenders commonly require an independent business valuation when the loan amount above the appraised real estate exceeds a set threshold or when the buyer and seller are related. Your lender orders it.