Break-even calculator
Your break-even point is fixed costs divided by the contribution per sale, which is price minus variable cost. With $12,000 of monthly fixed costs, a $150 price and $70 of variable cost, you need 150 sales a month to break even. Enter your numbers to see units and revenue needed.
Updated November 2026
Calculator
Fixed costs stay the same each month (rent, salaries, software). Variable costs rise with each sale. An estimate, not tax advice.
How is the break-even point calculated?
Break-even units equal fixed costs divided by contribution per unit. Contribution per unit is the price minus the variable cost of that unit. Every sale past break-even adds its contribution to profit.
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Fixed costs per month | $12,000 |
| Price per job | $150 |
| Variable cost per job | $70 |
| Contribution per job | $80 |
| Break-even | 150 jobs, or $22,500 of sales |
What counts as a fixed or variable cost?
Fixed costs stay the same whatever you sell: rent, salaries, insurance, software and loan payments. Variable costs rise with each sale: materials, merchandise, card fees, commissions and hourly labor on the job. Your profit and loss has the numbers, once the books are current.
How do I lower my break-even point?
Raise prices, cut variable costs per sale, or trim fixed overhead. A small price increase often moves break-even more than a cost cut. Test it here, then look at your margins with the profit margin calculator. Our fractional CFO service builds this into a monthly forecast.
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See our tax planning and CFO serviceWhat is a break-even point?
The sales level where revenue exactly covers costs, so profit is zero. Above it you make money, below it you lose money.
How do I find break-even revenue?
Multiply break-even units by price, or divide fixed costs by your contribution margin percentage.
Should owner pay be a fixed cost?
If you take a regular salary, yes. Including it shows the sales you need to pay yourself too.
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