Break Even Calculator

The Break Even Calculator estimates the exact units and revenue needed to cover costs based on your fixed costs, variable cost per unit, and price per unit. This tool helps small business owners and entrepreneurs plan profitable strategies and avoid financial losses. Use it to determine how many products you must sell to launch a new line, set realistic prices, or hit a specific profit target. It makes complex financial planning simple and fast.

Total expenses that don't change with production volume (rent, salaries, etc.)
Costs that vary with each unit produced (materials, labor, etc.)
Selling price for each unit of your product or service
Optional: Desired profit amount (leave as 0 for standard break even)

How Break Even Point Is Calculated

The Break Even Point is the moment your total sales equal your total costs. This calculation helps you understand the volume of sales required to cover all expenses before making a profit.

Break Even Units = (Fixed Costs + Target Profit) / (Price per Unit - Variable Cost per Unit)

Where:

  • Fixed Costs = Expenses that stay the same regardless of sales (e.g., rent, insurance)
  • Variable Cost per Unit = Cost to produce one single unit
  • Price per Unit = Selling price of your product
  • Target Profit = The amount of profit you want to make (optional)
  1. Determine your contribution margin by subtracting the variable cost per unit from the selling price.
  2. Add your target profit to your fixed costs to find the total amount you need to cover.
  3. Divide the total costs by the contribution margin to find the number of units needed.

This standard accounting method ensures you accurately factor in both overhead and production costs.

What Your Break Even Point Means

Your result shows the specific number of units you must sell to stop losing money. Selling above this number generates profit, while selling below it results in a loss.

Reaching Stability
If your result is 1,000 units, you need to sell exactly 1,000 items to pay all bills. At this stage, your net income is zero.

Generating Profit
Selling 1,200 units means you are making a profit. The extra 200 units contribute directly to your bottom line after covering all fixed and variable costs.

Adjusting Targets
If you enter a target profit, the number will rise. This higher figure tells you exactly what is required to achieve your specific financial goals.

Important: This model assumes that every unit costs the same to make and sells for the same price.

This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor or accountant for specific guidance regarding your business situation.

Recalculate your break-even point whenever your costs or prices change to stay informed.

Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.

View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →