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Break-Even Calculator

Find the sales volume needed to cover your fixed and variable costs.

Your numbers

Make it your own
Updates as you type
Units to break even
250units

Calculated from your inputs · rounded for display

Break-even revenue$12,500.00
Contribution per unit$20.00
Exact break-even units250

Your calculation, step by step

No black boxes
  1. Contribution = 50 − 30 = 20 USD/unit.
  2. Exact units = 5000 ÷ 20 = 250.
  3. Round up to 250 whole units.

What if things were different?

Save up to three scenarios, then change your inputs to compare the possibilities.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your own values in the labeled fields. Check the units and assumptions before comparing results. Only the fields needed for your selected calculation mode are shown.
  2. Your answer updates automatically. Review the calculation steps to see exactly how it was calculated.
  3. Copy, share, save, or download your result. Saved inputs stay on this device.

How the calculation works

Break-even units = fixed costs / (price − variable cost)

Each sale contributes its price minus variable cost toward fixed costs. Dividing fixed costs by that contribution gives the exact break-even quantity. Whole-unit sales are rounded up. This simple model assumes a constant price, unit cost, and sales mix, so capacity limits and stepped expenses require additional planning.

A worked example

$5,000 in fixed costs with a $50 price and $30 variable cost requires 250 units to break even.

Reading your result

Use the main result together with its units and supporting figures. Display values are rounded; calculations keep their underlying precision. A change in inputs or assumptions can change the answer. Compare the step-by-step working with your intended use before relying on an estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Why round up?

If units are indivisible, selling a fraction cannot cover the remaining costs.

What if variable cost exceeds the price?

There is no positive break-even volume in this model because each sale adds a loss.

Sources & methodology

This calculator uses the mathematical identity and assumptions stated above. No current rates, prices, or external data are loaded. Conversion tools use international unit definitions.

Formula review: October 24, 2026. Read our methodology.