Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization
Asset-Based Valuation
DCF Parameters
WACC or required return
Embed This Calculator on Your Website
Add this free calculator to your blog, website, or CMS with a simple copy-paste embed code.
What This Calculator Does
This business valuation calculator estimates the value of a business using four widely used methods: EBITDA multiple, revenue multiple, discounted cash flow (DCF), and asset-based valuation. It includes 2026 industry-specific EBITDA and revenue multiples for 12 sectors, from SaaS (12x to 25x EBITDA) to construction (3x to 6x EBITDA). The DCF model projects cash flows over a customizable period with a terminal value calculation using the Gordon Growth Model. The calculator produces a blended average across all applicable methods to provide a balanced estimate.
The Formula
The EBITDA multiple method is the most common approach for profitable businesses, applying an industry-specific multiple to annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The revenue multiple method is preferred for high-growth companies or those with depressed earnings. The DCF method projects future cash flows and discounts them to present value using a weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The asset-based method provides a floor value equal to net assets. The blended average weights all applicable methods equally.
Step-by-Step Example
Enter financial data
Professional services firm with $2,000,000 annual revenue, $400,000 EBITDA, and $800,000 in net assets.
EBITDA multiple valuation
Industry range: 5x to 10x EBITDA. Low: $2,000,000. Mid: $3,000,000. High: $4,000,000.
Revenue multiple valuation
Industry range: 0.8x to 2x revenue. Low: $1,600,000. Mid: $2,800,000. High: $4,000,000.
DCF and blended result
DCF at 12% WACC with 5% growth: $3,200,000. Asset-based: $800,000. Blended average of all four methods: $2,450,000.
Real-World Use Cases
Exit Planning
Business owners preparing to sell use multiple valuation methods to understand the likely range of offers and set realistic asking prices based on current market multiples.
Investment Analysis
Investors and acquirers evaluate target companies by comparing EBITDA multiples to industry norms. A business priced at 3x EBITDA in a 6x industry may represent a value opportunity.
Partnership Buyouts
When one partner exits a business, an agreed-upon valuation method (often EBITDA multiple or DCF) determines the fair buyout price.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using revenue multiples for profitable businesses. Revenue multiples are primarily used for high-growth, pre-profit companies (especially SaaS). For profitable businesses, EBITDA multiples are standard and more accurate.
Applying public company multiples to private businesses. Public companies trade at premiums due to liquidity. Private business multiples are typically 20% to 40% lower than public comparables.
Not adjusting EBITDA for owner compensation. In small businesses, owner salary, perks, and one-time expenses should be normalized to calculate seller discretionary earnings (SDE) or adjusted EBITDA.
Ignoring the discount rate sensitivity in DCF. A 2% change in discount rate can move DCF valuations by 20% to 30%. Always run sensitivity analysis across a range of discount rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accuracy and Disclaimer
Business valuations are estimates based on financial inputs and industry multiples. Actual transaction values depend on market conditions, buyer motivations, negotiation, due diligence findings, deal structure, and many other factors. This calculator is for educational and planning purposes. Consult a professional business appraiser (ASA, CVA, or ABV credentialed) for formal valuations used in transactions, litigation, or tax purposes.
Related Calculators
Gross Margin Calculator
Calculate gross profit, gross margin percentage, and markup from revenue and cost of goods sold.
Use CalculatorBusiness FinanceContribution Margin Calculator
Calculate contribution margin per unit, ratio, total contribution, and break-even from price and variable costs.
Use CalculatorBusiness FinanceMarkup vs Margin Calculator
Convert between markup and margin percentages and calculate selling price from cost using either method.
Use Calculator