Insights · Planning · 31 October 2026

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Ten KPIs every small business owner should track

You do not need fifty reports. Ten numbers, reviewed every month on one page, tell most owners what they need to know.

The ten

1. Cash in the bank and 13-week forecast low point.
2. Sales against budget.
3. Gross margin %.
4. Net profit %.
5. Debtor days: get paid faster.
6. Labour cost as % of sales.
7. Tax set aside vs owing (GST, PAYG, super).
8. Pipeline or forward work.
9. Customer concentration: share of sales from your top 3 customers.
10. Break-even sales: break-even analysis.

Make it a habit

One page, same day each month, after your month-end close. Compare to last month, budget and last year, and write one action for each number off track. Compare cost ratios to the ATO benchmarks.

Quick answers

What KPIs should a small business track?

Cash, sales vs budget, gross and net margin, debtor days, labour cost, tax set aside, pipeline, customer concentration and break-even.

How often should I review KPIs?

Monthly, after the books are closed.

Sources

• business.gov.au: Review your financial health

General information only. This article does not take into account your circumstances and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Rates and rules change; check the sources above and get advice for your business before acting.