Core Ideas First evaluation of profitable N rates in sugarbeet using variable revenue and costs. Most profitable N rate was 136 kg N ha−1, regardless of plant density or harvest date. More fertilizer N needed to maximize root yield than profits or sucrose yield (recoverable white sucrose per tonne). Opportunity to modify payment structure to reward sucrose over root yield. Risk of potential N losses was lower with higher plant density and later harvest. The response of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) root and sucrose yield to N fertility is well known, but the influence of recent changes of higher plant densities and/or earlier harvest dates may influence optimal fertilizer N rates. An experiment, in a split‐plot design, was established in 2013 to 2015 at two locations each year. There were 10 whole plot treatments consisting of combinations of five N rates and two plant densities and subplot of harvest date (mid‐September, late October). A lack of interactions among N rate, harvest date, and plant density for root or sucrose yield and profit margins, suggested no need to adjust fertilizer N based on these production practices. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) indices and N remaining in the field at harvest suggest a higher potential for N loss with an early than late harvest and at low vs. high plant densities; therefore, from an environmental perspective and based on equivalent profit margins, late harvest and high plant densities were recommended. Based on regression analysis, the N fertilizer rate to maximize root yield, recoverable white sucrose per tonne (RWST) and profit margins was 157, 12, and 136 kg N ha−1, respectively. Less fertilizer N (113 vs. 152 kg N ha−1) was required with legume compared to grass species as the previous crop. This was the first study in a humid, temperate climate to establish recommended fertilizer N rates based on profit margins and identify an opportunity to restructure grower payments to encourage higher RWST.