Break-Even Point Calculator
Find the units and revenue needed to cover your costs. Estimate profit at your expected sales volume.
Calculate break-even sales
Amounts are in USD. Include all relevant costs for a useful estimate; taxes are not added automatically. Your inputs stay in your browser.
How to calculate the break-even point
Break-even units = fixed costs ÷ (selling price per unit − variable cost per unit). Round up to a whole unit. The amount left after each unit's variable cost helps pay fixed costs.
Break-even revenue = break-even units × selling price. Revenue uses the rounded whole-unit total. Estimated profit or loss = expected units sold × (price − variable cost) − fixed costs. A negative result means a loss.
Break-even example
A shop has $3,000 in monthly fixed costs. It sells items for $50 each, with $20 in variable costs. Each sale contributes $30. The shop needs 100 sales ($5,000 revenue) to break even. At 150 sales, estimated profit is $1,500.
Why break-even units are rounded up
If fixed costs are $1,000, each item sells for $30, and variable cost is $12, each sale contributes $18. You need 56 whole units to cover costs because $1,000 ÷ $18 is about 55.56. At 55 units your modeled result is a $10 loss; at 56 it is an $8 profit. Whole-unit break-even revenue is $1,680. For subscriptions, use the subscription break-even calculator instead.
Frequently asked questions
What if my variable cost is higher than my selling price?
Each sale loses money before fixed costs. Raise your price or lower the cost per unit.
What costs belong in fixed costs?
Include rent, software subscriptions and salaries that stay steady. Put materials and per-sale fees under variable costs.
Does breaking even mean I have earned a profit?
No. Break-even means your entered costs are covered. Taxes, refunds and missing costs can still lead to a loss.
Can I use this calculator for a service business?
Yes. Use one project or appointment as a unit, with its price and direct cost.