EBITDA vs GMV

EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) and GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) both come up in business conversations and get confused. Here's the plain-English difference, side by side, so you can use each one with confidence.

The key difference: EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, while GMV refers to gross merchandise value — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.

EBITDA — Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization

A measure of a company's operating performance and profitability before non-operating expenses.

Full EBITDA definition →

GMV — Gross Merchandise Value

The total value of goods sold through a marketplace over a specific period.

Full GMV definition →

When to use EBITDA

Reach for "EBITDA" when the conversation is specifically about earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. A measure of a company's operating performance and profitability before non-operating expenses.

When to use GMV

Reach for "GMV" when the conversation is specifically about gross merchandise value. The total value of goods sold through a marketplace over a specific period.

FAQs

What is the difference between EBITDA and GMV?

EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization — A measure of a company's operating performance and profitability before non-operating expenses. GMV stands for Gross Merchandise Value — The total value of goods sold through a marketplace over a specific period.

Are EBITDA and GMV the same thing?

No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. EBITDA = Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. GMV = Gross Merchandise Value.

When should I use EBITDA vs GMV?

Use EBITDA when you're specifically referring to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Use GMV when the topic is gross merchandise value.

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