The weighted average contribution margin represents a blended profitability metric, reflecting the combined contribution of multiple products or services while accounting for their respective sales volumes. It is determined by first calculating the contribution margin for each product (selling price less variable costs), multiplying each product’s contribution margin by its proportion of total sales, and then summing these weighted contribution margins. For example, if a company sells product A with a contribution margin of $10 representing 60% of total sales and product B with a contribution margin of $15 representing 40% of total sales, the weighted average contribution margin is ($10 0.60) + ($15 0.40) = $12.
This metric offers valuable insights for businesses with diverse product lines or service offerings. It provides a more accurate picture of overall profitability compared to simply averaging contribution margins, as it acknowledges the relative importance of each product’s sales volume. This understanding can inform strategic decisions regarding product mix, pricing, and resource allocation, ultimately leading to improved profitability and resource efficiency. Businesses can utilize it to forecast profitability under different sales scenarios and prioritize higher-margin products.