The break-even point is calculated by dividing the total fixed costs by the difference between the price per unit and the variable cost per unit. The formula is:
Break-even Point = Fixed Costs / (Price per Unit – Variable Cost per Unit)
This tells you how many units you need to sell to cover your fixed costs. For example, if your fixed costs are $10,000, the price per unit is $50, and the variable cost per unit is $30, the break-even point would be:
Break-even Point = 10,000 / (50 – 30) = 500 units
Once you reach this sales volume, your business will start to generate profit. This helps you understand how much you need to sell before making a profit, which is crucial for planning and financial forecasting.