Break-even scenario calculator

Calculators

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About this tool

For alternative scenarios in one period, unit contribution is P − V, break-even quantity is F / (P − V), revenue at that fractional threshold is F × P / (P − V), and profit at quantity Q is (P − V) × Q − F. Each row is one alternative, not a product to add to a portfolio.

Common uses

Compare A: F = 1000, P = 25, V = 10, Q = 80; contribution 15, exact threshold 200/3, minimum 67 whole units and model profit 200.
Compare B: F = 1200, P = 30, V = 10, Q = 50; threshold 60 units, threshold revenue 1800 and model loss −200.

How to use it

1.Enter a common three-uppercase-letter currency label and 1–8 named alternatives.
2.For each row enter period fixed cost F, unit selling price P, unit variable cost V and whole sales quantity Q; use the same period and basis.
3.Compare contribution rate, exact and whole-unit thresholds, revenues, total costs and model profit; inspect formulas or export local value-bearing JSON.

Limits and notes

Amounts are nonnegative ASCII dot decimals, 12 integer and 6 fractional digits; Q is a nonnegative integer of up to 12 digits. Names 1–40 characters without controls; 1–8 scenarios; JSON ≤ 64 KiB.
P − V > 0 is required even when F = 0. Nonpositive contribution rejects the entire comparison without partial results. F = 0 with positive contribution gives zero threshold. Exact ceiling determines minimum whole units, not display rounding.
Exact reduced fractions drive calculations and outcome; display uses 6 decimals, nearest with ties away from zero. For A, 200/3 displays 66.666667, exact threshold revenue 5000/3, whole-unit revenue 1675. The latter need not equal fractional break-even revenue.
Linear single-product alternatives, not a multi-product sales mix. Constant price/cost, same period/currency/tax/unit basis, all units sold. Include variable fees in V and period fixed expenses in F yourself. No FX, automatic tax, capacity, demand forecast, cost classification, persistence or accounting net-profit guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Why show two quantities and two threshold revenues?

F = 1000, P = 25, V = 10 gives exact quantity 200/3 and revenue 5000/3. Selling whole items requires 67 units, revenue 1675 and model profit 5; at 66 units profit is −10. The integer ceiling uses exact arithmetic.

How is contribution rate different from profit margin?

Contribution rate is (P − V) / P × 100 before period fixed cost. A has contribution rate 60%; Q = 80 gives revenue 2000, total cost 1800 and model profit 200. It does not classify accounting expenses or forecast demand.

What if cost exceeds price or fixed cost is zero?

P ≤ V is explicitly rejected, including F = 0, rather than returning infinity or a negative threshold. With F = 0 and P > V the threshold is 0 units. Q = 0 yields loss −F; exact profit sign, not rounded display, decides the outcome.

Are scenarios combined or automatically ranked?

No. Each row is an alternative under a common unit, currency, period and tax basis; different assumptions need review. B has contribution 20, threshold 60, revenue 1800 and profit −200 at Q = 50. JSON includes names, all entered values, exact fractions and formulas; edit or language change clears results.