Break-even calculator
How many sales or jobs a month does it take just to cover your costs? Enter three numbers and find your break-even point — the line between losing money and making it.
How to read this
Each sale contributes its profit per sale (price minus variable cost) toward covering your fixed monthly costs. Divide fixed costs by that contribution and you get how many sales you need each month just to break even. Everything above that line is profit; everything below it is a loss you are funding out of pocket.
The honest takeaway most people miss: a low price with thin margins can mean needing a punishing number of sales every month. Sometimes raising the price a little moves break-even dramatically in your favor. Try it above.
For realistic prices and costs by business, browse the full breakdowns — each one lists typical pricing and monthly costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a break-even point?
Your break-even point is the number of sales (or jobs) per month where your revenue exactly covers your costs — the point where you stop losing money and start making a profit. Every sale beyond it adds profit; every sale below it means you are running at a loss.
How do I calculate break-even?
Break-even units = fixed monthly costs ÷ (price per sale − variable cost per sale). The bottom part is your contribution margin: what each sale contributes toward covering fixed costs. Divide your fixed costs by that margin and you get how many sales you need each month.
What is the difference between fixed and variable costs?
Fixed costs stay roughly the same no matter how much you sell — rent, insurance, software, your base pay. Variable costs rise with each sale — materials, supplies, payment fees, fuel for a job. Getting this split right is the key to a useful break-even number.
My price is lower than my variable cost — what does that mean?
It means you lose money on every single sale, so there is no break-even point — selling more only loses more. That is a pricing or cost problem to fix before anything else: raise your price, cut the per-sale cost, or both.
Honest estimates to help you plan, not financial advice. See our disclaimer.