How to Calculate ROI for Workflow Automation
Automation promises to save time and money. But “saving time” is not the same as “paying off.” To be sure that an investment in N8N, Make, or Zapier is justified, you need to calculate correctly — before development starts. In this guide: Basic and extended ROI formula for automation Four real-world examples across different industries Hidden ROI that most calculations miss Common budgeting mistakes to avoid How to present the business case to management Basic ROI Formula ROI (%) = ((Net Profit - Initial Investment) / Initial Investment) × 100 But for automation, this operational formula is more useful: