Break-Even Calculator
Separate monthly fixed costs from costs that change with each sale. See how many units you need to cover those fixed costs.
Your calculation
Free toolUse one currency and a consistent tax basis. No currency conversion.
Results include only the costs and assumptions entered.
How to use this calculator
Enter your values in one currency. The result updates as you type. Check the fee and tax assumptions before using it for a pricing decision, then download a PDF if you want a record.
How the result is calculated
Break-even units = fixed costs ÷ (selling price − variable cost), rounded up to a whole unit. No finite break-even exists if contribution is zero or negative.
Worked example
£300 fixed costs, £20 price and £12 variable cost need 38 sales to break even.
What should I include in my costs?
Include the costs that change with the item or order: materials, purchasing, making time, packaging, fulfilment and applicable fees. Allocate wider overhead separately. An omitted cost will make the estimate look better than it should.
Does this calculate my tax liability?
No. Entered tax treatment is an assumption for this calculation. The tool does not determine VAT registration, sales-tax nexus, tax rates by location or business income taxes. Check unusual situations with a qualified adviser.
Can I use USD?
Yes. Choosing US inputs uses dollars without converting amounts. Country-specific presets only apply where explicitly stated. Changing a symbol does not establish a platform fee or tax rule.
Questions about this calculation
How many orders cover £300 of fixed costs?
At £8 contribution per order, £300 divided by £8 is 37.5, so 38 orders are needed. Use contribution after variable costs, not revenue alone, and keep the cost and sales period consistent.
What if contribution per order is zero?
There is no finite volume that covers positive fixed costs when each order contributes nothing. Negative contribution makes the loss grow with sales under the entered assumptions.