MRKCAL Store Utility
FOB vs CIF Calculator
Compare FOB and CIF landed cost assumptions.
How to use this calculator
Enter the details you already know, then generate a draft you can copy, review, and adjust for your real shipment, sourcing conversation, website page, or content workflow.
When this tool is useful
- When you need a fast first draft instead of starting from a blank page.
- When you want a consistent format for supplier, shipping, SEO, or content planning tasks.
- When you need to compare basic numbers or organize details before sending them to another person.
FAQ
Is the result ready to use?
The result is a practical draft. You should review names, numbers, legal terms, prices, shipping terms, and product details before using it in business communication.
Does this tool save my information?
No. This tool runs in your browser and does not create user accounts or save submitted details to a backend database.
Can I edit the generated result?
Yes. Copy the result and customize it for your supplier, customer, website, shipment, or video project.
Disclaimer
FOB vs CIF Calculator provides general templates and estimates only. It is not legal, customs, tax, logistics, or financial advice. Confirm important details with qualified professionals or your service providers before making decisions.
Next useful steps
Use these related pages when the result from this tool becomes part of a larger sourcing, shipping, SEO, or planning workflow.
FOB vs CIF Cost Calculator: what the result means
Compare two sourcing offers on the same commercial basis. FOB normally leaves the buyer to arrange main carriage, while CIF includes seller-arranged freight and minimum marine insurance to the named destination port. The comparison should expose destination charges and control of the freight booking instead of treating CIF as an all-inclusive landed price.
A realistic way to use it
A supplier offers FOB Shanghai at USD 18,400. A CIF Long Beach offer is USD 20,250. Add the buyer-arranged ocean freight and insurance to the FOB option, then list destination handling, customs, duty, and delivery separately for both options. The lower headline offer may not be the lower delivered cost.
Checks that prevent a bad result
Do not compare different quantities, specifications, currencies, ports, or quote dates. Do not assume CIF includes import duty, destination terminal charges, customs brokerage, or delivery to your warehouse. Record who selects the forwarder and who receives freight documents.
When this tool is not enough
This estimate cannot predict current carrier space, destination fees, customs treatment, or insurance claims. Request written breakdowns from the supplier and forwarder before choosing the Incoterm.
Frequently asked questions
Is CIF the same as landed cost?
No. CIF covers cost, insurance, and freight to the named port under the Incoterm; destination and import costs can still remain with the buyer.
When can FOB provide more control?
FOB can give the buyer more control over the main freight booking and forwarder relationship, provided the buyer can manage those responsibilities.
Should I choose only by the lowest total?
No. Also compare freight control, document visibility, insurance scope, schedule reliability, and destination charge exposure.