Break-even calculator

How it works

Break-even units = fixed costs ÷ (price per unit − variable cost per unit)

The denominator is your contribution per unit: what each sale leaves behind after its own costs. Divide the fixed costs by it and you get the volume at which you stop losing money. The result rounds up, because the unit that takes you from 1,142.4 to 1,143 is the one that actually crosses the line. If price is at or below variable cost the contribution is zero or negative, no volume ever breaks even, and this calculator says so instead of dividing.

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Frequently asked questions

What period should the fixed costs cover?

Whichever you want the answer for. Monthly fixed costs give a monthly break-even volume; annual gives annual. Just keep price and variable cost consistent with it.

Why does it round up?

Because you cannot sell part of a unit. At 1,142.4 units you are still short; 1,143 is the first whole unit that clears the fixed costs.

What if I sell several products?

Use a weighted average contribution per unit across the mix, or run the calculation per product line. A blended figure hides a loss-making line inside a profitable average.

It says no break-even point — why?

Your selling price is at or below your variable cost, so every unit sold loses money before fixed costs are even considered. Volume cannot fix that; price or cost has to move.