Free Break-Even Calculator

Determine your break-even point with precision using our comprehensive calculator. Make informed business decisions and plan for profitability with detailed break-even analysis and AI-powered insights.

Break-even Calculator

Find out how many units you need to sell to break even

What is Break-even Analysis and Why is it Essential?

Break-even analysis is a fundamental business planning tool that determines the exact point where your total revenue equals your total costs. At this point, your business neither makes a profit nor incurs a loss—it simply "breaks even."

This analysis is crucial for new product launches, pricing strategies, cost management, and financial planning. It helps you understand the minimum performance required to avoid losses and provides a foundation for setting realistic sales targets and growth goals.

Understanding your break-even point enables better decision-making about investments, pricing changes, and operational improvements. It's an essential metric for investors, lenders, and stakeholders evaluating business viability.

How Do You Calculate Break-even Point Step by Step?

Break-even Formula

Break-even Units = Fixed Costs ÷ (Selling Price - Variable Cost per Unit)

The contribution margin per unit covers fixed costs

1. Fixed Costs

Expenses that don't change with production volume: rent, salaries, insurance, equipment depreciation

2. Variable Costs

Costs that change with each unit produced: materials, labor, shipping, commissions

3. Selling Price

The price at which you sell each unit to customers, including any discounts or promotions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is break-even point?

The break-even point is when total revenue equals total costs, resulting in zero profit or loss.

How do you calculate break-even units?

Break-even units = Fixed Costs ÷ (Selling Price - Variable Cost per Unit).

Why is break-even analysis important?

It helps determine minimum sales needed to avoid losses and supports pricing and investment decisions.

Can break-even point change?

Yes, it changes when fixed costs, variable costs, or selling prices change.

What is break-even revenue?

Break-even revenue is the total sales amount needed to cover all costs (break-even units × selling price).

What if variable cost exceeds selling price?

You'll never break even as each sale generates a loss. Review pricing or reduce costs immediately.