Break-even & margin calculator
Find your break-even point — the units and revenue you need to cover costs — from fixed costs, price and variable cost, with the contribution margin and a clear break-even chart. Plus a margin/markup solver to price for a target profit. All in your browser.
Open Break-even & margin calculator →What is the break-even & margin calculator?
A calculator that works out your break-even point — the units and revenue you need to sell to cover your costs — from your fixed costs, selling price and variable cost per unit, with the contribution margin and a clear break-even chart. A second tab solves for margin and markup so you can price for a target profit. All the maths runs in your browser.
How to use Break-even & margin calculator
- Enter your costs and price — On the Break-even tab, type your total fixed costs, the price per unit and the variable cost per unit.
- Add a profit target — Optionally enter a target profit to see how many extra units and how much revenue you need to hit it.
- Read the results and chart — See your break-even units, break-even revenue and contribution margin, plotted on a break-even chart.
- Solve for margin or markup — Switch to the Margin & markup tab to find margin and markup from cost and price, or work out the price needed for a target margin or markup percentage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the break-even point?
It is the level of sales — in units and in revenue — at which your total income exactly covers your fixed and variable costs, so you make neither a profit nor a loss.
What is the contribution margin?
It is the price per unit minus the variable cost per unit — the amount each sale contributes towards covering your fixed costs and, after break-even, towards profit.
Why does it say there is no break-even point?
If your price is not above your variable cost, every sale loses money and you can never break even. Raise the price or cut the variable cost to fix it.
What is the difference between margin and markup?
Margin is profit as a percentage of the selling price, while markup is profit as a percentage of the cost. The same profit gives a higher markup figure than margin.
Can I use my own currency?
Yes. Pick a currency symbol from the selector at the top, or choose none. The calculator uses the symbol only — there is no live exchange-rate conversion.
Tips
- Lowering your variable cost per unit widens the contribution margin and pulls your break-even point down.
- Use the target profit field to set a sales goal rather than just a cover-costs goal.
- Switch to the Margin & markup tab to set a price that hits the profit percentage you want.
- Group every recurring cost — rent, salaries, subscriptions — into the fixed costs figure for an accurate break-even.