QuickBooks Online’s Upcoming KPI Dashboard: What You Need to Know

QuickBooks Online may soon be rolling out a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) dashboard, giving business owners a powerful new way to track financial health at a glance.

Sample of what KPIs could look like in your accounting software

While the feature hasn’t officially launched yet, now is the perfect time to get familiar with the three main KPIs that QuickBooks will spotlight. Understanding these numbers — and how to improve them — can put you in a stronger position to take full advantage of the new dashboard once it’s live.

In this post, we’ll cover:

✅ What each KPI means

✅ Actionable ways to improve your results

✅ Healthy benchmark ranges to aim for

Let’s dive in.

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1. Gross Profit Margin

What It Means

Gross Profit Margin measures the percentage of revenue that exceeds the cost of goods sold (COGS). Essentially, it shows how efficiently your business is producing and selling goods or services relative to the costs involved.

A higher margin means you’re keeping more of each dollar in sales after covering production costs — a sign of strong pricing strategy and operational efficiency.

Gross Profit Margin formula

How to Improve

• Reduce COGS: Negotiate better deals with suppliers or find ways to streamline production.

• Increase Prices Strategically: Raise prices where the market allows without alienating customers.

• Strengthen Inventory Management: Reduce waste, spoilage, or excess stock through better controls.

Healthy Range

A 30%–40% gross profit margin is often considered healthy, though this varies widely depending on your industry.

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2. Net Profit Margin

What It Means

Net Profit Margin takes profitability one step further by showing the percentage of revenue left after all expenses are deducted — including COGS, operating costs, interest, and taxes. This KPI is the ultimate bottom-line measure of how much profit your business actually keeps.

Net Profit Margin formula

How to Improve

• Cut Unnecessary Overhead: Eliminate expenses that don’t drive revenue or growth.

• Optimize Pricing: Regularly review your pricing strategy against demand and competitors.

• Streamline Workflows: Improve efficiency through better systems, automation, or training.

• Manage Debt Wisely: Lower interest payments by reducing or restructuring debt.

Healthy Range

In many industries, a net profit margin above 10% is considered strong, but benchmarks vary by sector.

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3. Operating Margin

What It Means

Operating Margin shows how much revenue remains after covering operating expenses like salaries, rent, and marketing, but before accounting for interest and taxes. It provides insight into how well your core operations are being managed day-to-day.

Operating Margin formula

How to Improve

• Boost Efficiency: Refine internal processes to reduce waste and maximize output.

• Automate Where Possible: Leverage software tools to reduce manual work and lower costs.

• Keep Spending in Check: Monitor marketing, admin, and other expenses closely to spot savings opportunities.

Healthy Range

Operating margins of 15%–25% are generally considered solid, though the “right” figure depends heavily on your industry.

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Why These KPIs Matter

Together, these three metrics — gross profit margin, net profit margin, and operating margin — paint a clear picture of your business’s profitability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

But here’s the key: benchmarks are only useful when compared against your specific industry. A margin that looks low in one sector may be right on target in another.

Got questions about your company's profitability? Contact us today for your free discovery call!

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks Online’s upcoming KPI dashboard will make it easier than ever to track these critical numbers, but the real value comes from understanding and acting on them. By monitoring margins regularly and applying strategies to improve them, you’ll set your business up for stronger profitability and sustainable growth.