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Break-even calculator

How many do you need to sell before you start making money? Enter your fixed costs, price and cost per unit.

Fixed costs (setup, stock run, tools)

Price per unit

Cost per unit

Break-even

34 units

Profit per unit £15.00

Sales to break even £850

Why break-even matters before you spend

Break-even is the point where sales have covered your costs and the next sale is real profit. It is the sanity check before you order a big stock run or invest in a tool: if you need to sell 400 units to break even and you can realistically sell 50, the maths is telling you something.

Each unit contributes its price minus its cost toward your fixed costs. Divide fixed costs by that contribution and you get the number of units to break even. Then it is all profit (see profit margin).

Next steps

Copy a template

TemplateBusiness plan templateA one-page business plan TemplateCash flow forecastTwelve weeks of money in and out

Read the guide

GuideHow to write a simple one-page business planYou don't need a 40-page document. Here's how to write a one-page business plan that actually helps you run a solo business, and how to keep it alive.GuideHow to price a product (without leaving money on the table)A clear method for pricing physical products, covering cost, margin and market, so you're profitable and competitive, not just cheap.

What the words mean

TermBreak-evenThe point where what you sell exactly covers what it costs you to operate.TermOverheadThe ongoing costs of running your business that are not tied to a single sale.TermCOGS (Cost of Goods Sold)The direct cost of the products or services you sold in a period.TermRunwayHow long your business can keep going before it runs out of money.

Know where you stand, in real time.

tracks your costs, sales and profit as they happen, so you always know if you are past break-even. Free to start.

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