Break-Even Calculator

Your break-even point is the number of sales you need each month to cover all your costs. Below it, you lose money; above it, every sale adds profit. Enter your numbers and the results update as you type.

The three numbers you need

Fixed costs per month stay the same however much you sell: rent, insurance, software, loan payments, and salaries that don’t change with volume.

Average price per sale is what a typical customer pays for one sale, job or visit.

Variable cost per sale rises with each sale: materials, product cost, packaging, shipping, payment processing fees, commissions, and labor paid per job.

The difference between price and variable cost is what each sale contributes toward your fixed costs. The calculator divides your fixed costs by that amount.

A worked example

A mobile beauty professional has fixed costs of $1,200 a month for insurance, booking software, phone and car payment. An average appointment brings in $95, and products, travel and card fees cost about $20 per appointment. Each appointment contributes $75.

Break-even: $1,200 ÷ $75 = 16 appointments a month, about four a week. To also earn $3,000 a month in profit, they need ($1,200 + $3,000) ÷ $75 = 56 appointments a month.

This example is illustrative. Use your own figures.

Four ways to lower your break-even point

1. Raise your price. Even a small increase goes straight to profit on every sale.
2. Cut the cost per sale: better supplier prices, less waste, cheaper payment processing.
3. Reduce fixed costs: smaller space, fewer subscriptions, renting equipment instead of buying.
4. Sell more per customer with add-ons, packages or memberships.

Next: work out your hourly rate with the service pricing calculator, or browse business ideas by budget.

Last reviewed October 17, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.