Difference Between Gross and Net

Many entrepreneurs ask: What is the difference between gross and net income? Well, just before we answer that question, it is crucial we dissect these concepts in toto. In today’s business world, those are terms that have become a part of the furniture. As an entrepreneur, you will have to figure them out every now and then.

In other words, the two concepts are often used for working out both personal and corporate income. So, if you are a startupreneur or you are studying business-related course in the varsity, it is assumed that you already know the difference between net and gross. However, there are lots of people who don’t seem to grasp this disparity.

The truth of the matter is, many people don’t know the contrasts between them. If you are one of them, you have absolutely nothing to worry about because you don’t have a weird challenge. At least you are already aware that there are lots of other people who still struggle to figure out the distinction.

But then, if you must start your enterprise sometime in the future, it is critical that comprehend this distinction. The cheering thing is that this guide will help you do that. Once again, this article will answer everything you need to know about the difference between net and gross income. So, sit back and relax as we embark on this educative journey together. First of all, we will start with their definitions.

Definition of Gross

Well, before we get into the answer to the question asked earlier, we have to explain what the latter is. By doing so, we are not only keeping to our word, but we are also helping you to comprehensive it properly. With that being said, we will break it down for you now.

Gross is the earning of an employee or firm calculated before the personal or organization’s taxes are removed. This is a term that is commonly used in the financial world to discuss the sum which a firm makes, in revenue or how much a worker received in income in a particular period of time.

With respect to the employee, it could daily, weekly, monthly or annual earnings. This is usually used in accounting system, and it is arrived at when some calculations are made. There is a commonly used concept called Gross Profit Margin, which sort of lays emphasis on the outcome when one sum is subtracted from the other. In many companies around the world, accountants are saddled with the responsibility of working out the gross profit margin of companies.

So, what’s the difference between net and gross? Before we go into contrasts, it is important that we explain the latter in detail. This will aid you have a better grasp of everything about it. Now, we will walk you through how to determine it in the accounting circus.

To find out, they usually apply a formula:

Gross Profit Margin = (Revenue – Cost Price) ÷ (Revenue)

Let’s work out a simple example.

A Kiev-based retail chain, X, bought $70,000 worth of merchandise in August 2019. After sales, X realized $75,000. Find the gross profit of X.

Solution = (Revenue – Cost Price) ÷ (Revenue)

              = (75,000 – 70,000) ÷ 75,000 = 0.067 (approx.)

However, it is always expressed in percentage: 0.067 x 100% = 6.7%

Well, 6.7% means the percentage of Revenue or 6.7% of 75,000 = $5,000

In other words, X realized $5,000 after selling the articles. The profit can be used to take care of other expenses. It is should be noted that this income is usually determined per annum.

So far, we have made some progress. However, a lot still needs to be done. To be clear, we will definitely answer the question: What is the difference between gross and net? Nevertheless, just before we do that, we will first of all discuss the latter. In fact, without dissecting it in detail, you will find it extremely difficult to make sense of it all.

Definition of Net

Net (in this context) means the sum left after a worker or establishment has removed all the expenses it usually incurs. Net Income = Total Income – Expense

Now, let’s check out some real-life examples: A salaried worker, Buzan, earns $1,000 per month. Well, Buzan has lots of things to pay for within that one. So, tabulated below are the expenses that he usually incurs in one month:

S/N	Expenditure	Amount ($)
1	Rent per month	120
2	Groceries	60
3	Transportation for one month	100
4	Relaxation (Booze and hangouts)	70
5	Upkeep (Miscellaneous)	100
6	Income Tax	50
7	Dependents (Parents and siblings)	200
8	Total	700

Net Income = Total Income – Expense = $(1000 – 700) = $300.

This means that Buzan is left with $300

Do you understand the difference between gross and net incomes yet? If no, then the example below will definitely help you comprehend it.

Now, let’s return to our organization, X. Notice that it made $5,000 after selling the articles. To determine its net income, you will remove its expenditure from the profit.

Assuming X has the following expenses (include tax, salaries, and other overheads) that amounted to $3,800, it simply means that the organization’s net income = $(5,000 – 3,800) = $1,200

So, the amount that the enterprise can save afterwards is $1,200. Although we figured out this amount for the purpose of simplicity, it is should be noted that this income is usually done per annum.

At this point, we believe you already know the answer to this question: What is the difference between net and gross? Just like an icing on the cake, we will still use the comprehensive table below to help you spot the contrasts.

Gross vs Net Comparison Table

To be able to run your enterprise very well, it is important that you know basic gross and net difference. Well, the table sheds light on the key distinctions.

Basis of Comparison	Gross	Net
Meaning	Residual income or profit after sales	Residual profit after expenses and taxes have been removed
Calculability	In a typical convoluted accounting system, this is easy to work out	In a typical convoluted accounting system, this is complicated. In this case, it requires an expert or accounting software to calculate it
Tax	Does not involve tax deduction	Involves tax deductions on company and personal income

Conclusion of the Main Difference Between Gross vs Net

Thus far, we have made appreciable progress. At this point, we just have to wrap up this engaging and informative piece, given that you already grasp it. Understanding the disparity between the two concepts is very important as it helps startupreneurs to ascertain the direction that their enterprise is going. Indeed, it is a very vital planning tool.

For those entrepreneurs who still wonder: What’s the difference between gross and net? Well, now you know. Just like we stated earlier, calculating the latter can be complicated. In that case, many blue-chip firms deploy accounting software to figure it out. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, it is critical you know the disparity between them. The cheering thing is, this guide has convincingly explained everything you need to know about it. With this, you have set your business on the path of success.

So, while you do your everyday buying and selling, ensure that you calculate the two terms properly. For all those who asked: What is the difference between net and gross income? We firmly believe that you know the answer to that question.