GUIDE · 2026-07-23
How to use the Break-Even Calculator
One sale does not recover all fixed cost. The calculator subtracts variable cost and percentage fees from price, divides fixed cost by that contribution, then rounds up to a sellable whole-unit target.
How it works
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Step-by-step
- 01Enter fixed cost for the period and selling price in USD.
- 02Enter variable cost per unit and the percentage fee on each sale.
- 03Review exact units, rounded sales target and break-even revenue.
Worked example
INPUT$2,500 fixed; $40 price; $18 variable; 3% fee
RESULT$20.80 contribution; 120.19 exact units → at least 121 units
120 units do not fully recover fixed cost, so the target rounds up.Limits and checks
- Do not mix period-level fixed cost with per-unit variable cost.
- If contribution is zero or negative, additional sales cannot create a break-even point.
Useful examples
- Plan a minimum product sales target
- Recover event or pop-up costs
- Compare price and fee scenarios
Frequently asked questions
Why are units rounded up?
Because a partial item cannot be sold, the result rounds to the next whole unit that fully covers fixed cost.
Are taxes included?
Not automatically. Include them consistently in variable cost or the fee input when appropriate.
What if every sale loses money?
If price does not exceed variable cost and fees, the calculator reports that no break-even point exists.