Break-Even Point Calculator
Find how many units you must sell to cover your costs.
Break-even units = fixed costs ÷ (price − variable cost). The contribution margin per unit is what each sale puts toward covering fixed costs; once they're covered, the rest is profit.
Results are estimates for information only, not financial advice. See how we build and verify our calculators.
Find your break-even point: how many units you need to sell before you start making a profit. Enter your total fixed costs, the price per unit and the variable cost per unit, and the calculator returns the break-even units, the revenue at that point, and the contribution margin per unit. Essential for business plans, pricing and product launches. Runs in your browser.
How to use the Break-Even Calculator
- Enter your total fixed costs.
- Enter the price and variable cost per unit.
- Read the break-even units, revenue and contribution margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the break-even formula?
Break-even units = fixed costs ÷ (price per unit − variable cost per unit). The denominator is the contribution margin — what each sale adds toward covering fixed costs.
What are fixed vs variable costs?
Fixed costs (rent, salaries, software) stay the same regardless of sales. Variable costs (materials, shipping, transaction fees) rise with each unit sold.
Why can't I break even sometimes?
If the price per unit is at or below the variable cost per unit, every sale loses money, so there's no break-even point — you must raise the price or cut variable costs.