SDE multiples · revenue valuation
Ice Cream Valuation Multiples Calculator
Apply ice cream business valuation multiples (typically 2.0×–3.5× SDE) to estimate what your shop is worth.
Ice cream shop valuation depends on SDE, location lease quality, and year-round revenue stability. This calculator applies industry-standard multiples to estimate market value.
- Estimated Value = SDE × Industry Multiple (typically 2.0×–3.5×)
- SDE = Net Profit + Owner Salary + Add-backs
- Median independent shop sells at ~2.8× SDE
Built for shop owners planning an exit, buyers evaluating acquisitions, and brokers pricing listings.
Source: BizMetricsHQ 175+ independent & franchise ice cream shops (2025–2026). Methodology
Business Financials
Estimated Value
$342,720
Range: $244,800 – $428,400
At 2.8× SDE on $122,400 SDE
SDE-Based Value
$342,720
Revenue-Based Value
$324,000
Industry Multiples
Revenue Multiple
0.3× – 0.6×
Median 0.5×
SDE Multiple
2.0× – 3.5×
Median 2.8×
EBITDA Multiple
2.8× – 4.2×
Median 3.5×
Related Ice Cream Shop Data
- Ice Cream Shop Revenue Benchmarks
Median $720K — revenue percentiles and seasonal patterns.
- Ice Cream Shop Owner Salary
What ice cream shop owners earn by scale.
- Ice Cream Shop Valuation Multiples
SDE and revenue multiples for shop sales.
- Ice Cream Shop Startup Costs
Typical opening costs range $110K–$320K.
Related Tools
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- Profit Margin Calculator
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- Break-Even Calculator
Find daily customers and revenue needed to break even.
- Food Cost Calculator
Benchmark dairy and ingredient cost as a percentage of sales.
- Labor Cost Calculator
Model labor percentage for peak and off-season staffing.
- Average Ticket Calculator
Project revenue impact from ticket size and upsell mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are ice cream shops valued?
Most independent ice cream shops are valued using SDE multiples, typically 2.0×–3.5×. A shop with $122K SDE at 2.8× would be worth ~$342K. Year-round revenue, catering, and strong lease terms support premium multiples.
Does seasonality affect ice cream shop valuation?
Yes. Buyers discount highly seasonal shops with weak off-season cash flow. Shops with catering, cakes, retail pints, or warm-climate year-round traffic often command 10–15% higher multiples.
What SDE multiple do ice cream shops sell for?
Median SDE multiple is approximately 2.8×, with a typical range of 2.0×–3.5×. Franchise locations with transferable systems may reach the upper end; owner-dependent shops with short leases trade lower.
How do I calculate SDE for my ice cream shop?
SDE = Net Profit + Owner Salary + Interest + Depreciation + One-time expenses. For owner-operators, add back your compensation to reflect true discretionary earnings.