Understanding Break-Even Analysis
Break-even analysis tells you how many units you need to sell to cover all costs and start making profit.
Break-Even Formula
Break-even Units = Fixed Costs ÷ Contribution Margin
Contribution Margin = Price - Variable Cost per Unit
Example
- Fixed costs: $10,000/month (rent, salaries, etc.)
- Price per unit: $50
- Variable cost per unit: $20
- Contribution margin: $30
- Break-even: 10,000 ÷ 30 = 334 units
Using Break-Even Analysis
- Pricing decisions: How price changes affect profitability
- Cost control: Impact of reducing expenses
- Sales targets: Minimum sales needed
- Investment decisions: ROI on new equipment or hires