DIY Cost Tools
Break-Even Calculator
PRICING & COST CALCULATOR
Estimate break-even quantity, whole units to sell, and contribution margin.
All fields are required. Use matching currency and quantity units. Absolute inputs must not exceed one trillion. Assumes a single product, constant price and unit cost, and fixed costs over the chosen period. Sales must exceed variable cost for a positive contribution. Multiple products, capacity changes, taxes, and inventory timing need additional analysis.
How to use this calculator
Replace the example values with figures for the same product, period, or project. Select Calculate and compare the result with your quote, budget, or accounting records. Retain precision until you record the final amount.
Formula and explanation
Break-even units = fixed costs ÷ (selling price − variable cost); whole units = round up the exact quantity
Each sold unit contributes its price minus variable cost toward fixed costs. Break-even occurs once those contributions cover the entered fixed costs.
Worked example
Using Fixed costs for the period ($) = 3000, Selling price per unit ($) = 50, Variable cost per unit ($) = 20, the results are Exact break-even quantity: 100; Whole units required: 100; Revenue at whole-unit threshold ($): 5,000; Contribution per unit ($): 30; Contribution margin (%): 60.
Important limitations
Assumes a single product, constant price and unit cost, and fixed costs over the chosen period. Sales must exceed variable cost for a positive contribution. Multiple products, capacity changes, taxes, and inventory timing need additional analysis.
This tool provides arithmetic estimates for planning, not individualized accounting, tax, financial, or construction advice. Confirm important business and project decisions with appropriate records and professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Why round up?
If only whole units can be sold, a fractional quantity must be rounded up to cover all costs.
What if price is below variable cost?
Selling more units cannot cover positive fixed costs under this model. The calculator rejects that assumption.
Why are more than two decimals shown?
Extra precision helps compare rates and unit prices. Round final currency payments according to applicable billing rules.
What happens with blank inputs?
The calculator clears old results and displays a validation message.
Review notes
Reviewed October 1, 2026. Default results were independently checked against the displayed formulas. Script checks covered blank, negative, nonfinite, and excessive inputs. Calculations run in your browser.
Method reference: U.S. Small Business Administration break-even guidance.