Sourcing & freight comparison
FOB vs CIF Calculator
Compare estimated FOB and CIF landed costs using freight, insurance, duty, tax and destination-side import charges.
- Free to use
- No sign-up required
- Transparent planning assumptions
Compare FOB and CIF assumptions
Enter the same duty and tax rates, then add each scenario’s own costs. Results update instantly.
Common assumptions
Currency is a display label only; no FX conversion is performed. The same entered duty and tax rates are applied to both scenarios for comparison.
FOB scenario
Buyer-planned costs after the supplier’s FOB goods price.
A low supplier FOB price alone does not represent landed cost. Use realistic freight and insurance assumptions.
CIF scenario
Enter the supplier’s CIF invoice / quoted goods value, including seller-arranged freight and insurance to the named destination port.
A CIF quote does not necessarily include all destination-port, customs, clearance, handling or local-delivery charges.
FOB vs CIF results
Compare estimated landed totals, per-unit costs and operational considerations.
Enter both FOB and CIF assumptions to compare estimated landed costs.
No scenario is treated as lower-cost until both scenario assumptions are entered.
FOB breakdown
Goods—
Freight—
Insurance—
Origin charges—
Duty base—
Duty—
Tax base—
Tax—
Destination charges—
Clearance—
Local delivery—
Other—
FOB landed total—
Cost per unit—
CIF breakdown
CIF invoice—
Duty base—
Duty—
Tax base—
Tax—
Destination charges—
Clearance—
Local delivery—
Other—
CIF landed total—
Cost per unit—
Control & responsibility considerations
Main freight: Buyer side
Insurance: Buyer side / buyer-controlled assumption
Freight control: Higher buyer control
Destination costs: Still buyer-side planning inputs
Main freight: Seller-arranged to named destination port
Insurance: Seller-arranged under CIF terms
Freight control: Lower direct buyer control
Destination costs: May still apply separately
This comparison uses the same simplified duty and tax assumptions for both scenarios. It is a planning estimate, not an Incoterms, customs or legal determination.
How to use
Compare FOB and CIF in five clear steps.
Use your own quotes, freight assumptions and import-side costs; both scenarios use the same entered duty and tax rates.
- 1
Enter common rates
Add quantity, duty and tax assumptions.
- 2
Enter the FOB scenario
Add goods cost, freight, insurance and buyer-paid charges.
- 3
Enter the CIF scenario
Add the supplier’s CIF quote and destination-side charges.
- 4
Compare landed totals
Review total and per-unit estimated landed costs.
- 5
Review the trade-off
Compare cost with freight-control and responsibility considerations.
What this calculator helps with
Compare cost without oversimplifying the terms.
Cost is one input to a sourcing decision. The tool makes entered assumptions visible without recommending an Incoterm.
Supplier quote comparison
Compare FOB and CIF quote assumptions in one planning view.
FOB vs CIF sourcing decision
See which entered scenario has the lower estimated landed cost.
Import cost planning
Include destination, clearance and local delivery costs.
Freight negotiation preparation
Review the cost implications of buyer-arranged freight.
Pre-order purchasing review
Check scenario totals before a purchase decision.
Wholesale import planning
Compare total and per-unit costs at the intended quantity.
Buyer freight-control analysis
Consider cost beside control over main carriage.
Transparent methodology
Formula & assumptions.
A simplified customs-value and import-tax planning model applied consistently to both scenarios.
Calculation formula
FOB duty base = FOB goods + freight + insurance
CIF duty base = CIF invoice cost
Duty = duty base × duty rate
Tax base = duty base + duty
Tax = tax base × tax / VAT rate
FOB landed total = goods + freight + insurance + origin charges + duty + tax + destination charges + clearance + local delivery + other
CIF landed total = CIF invoice + duty + tax + destination charges + clearance + local delivery + other
Cost per unit = landed total ÷ quantity
Difference = |FOB landed total − CIF landed total|; difference per unit = difference ÷ quantity
Important planning assumptions
- This calculator uses simplified customs-value and import-tax assumptions for scenario planning. Actual customs valuation, duty treatment and tax bases vary by country, product, shipment, trade agreement and customs rules.
- Local charges do not automatically enter the tax base in this V1 model. Confirm actual rates, valuation rules and charges with your forwarder and customs adviser.
- A CIF quote does not necessarily include all destination-port, customs, clearance, handling or local-delivery charges.
- FOB and CIF responsibilities depend on the agreed contract, named port, shipment mode and actual charges. Confirm that the selected Incoterm is appropriate for your shipment mode and contract.
- This does not replace a supplier contract, freight-forwarder advice, customs advice or legal advice.
- Currency is a display label only; no FX conversion is performed.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers before you compare.
Use this tool for transparent scenario planning, not as an all-in quotation or legal interpretation of Incoterms.
What does this FOB vs CIF calculator compare?⌄
It compares your entered FOB and CIF scenarios, including duty, tax and the destination-side costs you enter.
Does a CIF quote include every import cost?⌄
No. A CIF quote does not necessarily include all destination-port, customs, clearance, handling or local-delivery charges.
Why is freight entered only for FOB?⌄
The CIF invoice field is treated as already including the seller-arranged cost, insurance and freight to the named destination port under the quote. Adding freight again would double-count it.
How are duty and tax calculated?⌄
This V1 model uses duty base × duty rate, then tax base of duty base plus duty. Actual customs valuation and tax bases vary by jurisdiction.
Does this tell me whether FOB or CIF is better?⌄
No. It identifies the lower estimated landed cost under your inputs and shows general operational context. Cost, control and contractual responsibilities should be assessed together.
Does currency conversion happen automatically?⌄
No. Currency is a display label only; enter all inputs in one currency.
Can I use this for every shipment mode?⌄
Confirm with your supplier and forwarder that the chosen Incoterm is appropriate for your shipment mode and contract.
Plan with clarity
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