Worked example
Check the method with simple numbers.
$480 fixed cost divided by $10 contribution per unit requires 48 units to break even.
Free calculator
Break-even calculator
Find how many units cover fixed costs at your contribution per unit. Results are estimates, rounded to two decimals for money.
Planning estimate
48 units$10.00 contribution per unit. Break-even units are always rounded up.
Assumptions
Know what the result includes.
- Selling price and variable cost describe one product or a stable mix.
- Fixed cost uses the same time period as the sales target.
- The result rounds up to a whole unit.
Common mistakes
Keep these out of the calculation.
- Using revenue instead of contribution
- Mixing monthly fixed cost with weekly unit targets
- Ignoring the no-break-even case when price is at or below variable cost
Useful questions
Why is the answer rounded up?
A fraction of an unsold unit cannot cover the remaining fixed cost.
What if I sell several products?
Use a documented weighted-average contribution or model each product separately.
Is owner pay fixed or variable?
That depends on your chosen method; document it consistently and avoid double counting.
Continue with context.
Read the related guide, then return with your own verified figures.
See why sold out can still lose money