Trade Business Break-Even Calculator
This business break-even calculator works out how much you need to bring in, and how many hours you need to bill, just to cover your wage and overheads — and then to reach the profit you actually want.
What you have to cover
Your own wage or drawings for the year, plus the overheads that keep the business running.
Profit and how you bill
The profit you want on top of break-even, and how you turn work into revenue.
A practical guide, not tax or accounting advice. Figures exclude VAT.
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Leave an honest Google reviewReviews are optional. Please only review based on your genuine experience.The number every trade should know
Break-even is the income you need just to cover your wage and your overheads. Earn less and the business runs at a loss; earn more and you finally start making money.
Most trades are busy but have no idea what they actually need to bring in each month to stand still. That is how a full diary can still leave nothing in the bank.
This calculator turns your wage and overheads into a clear target — per year, per month and per week — and shows how many chargeable hours it takes to get there.
A clear target to aim at
Enter a few figures and the calculator shows what break-even really means for you.
From costs to a monthly target
A solo trade wanting a 35,000 wage, with 12,000 of overheads, billing at 55 an hour.
47,000
3,917
904
52,000
Three ways to bring break-even down
If the number looks scary, there are only really three levers — and most trades can move all of them a little.
Charge a higher rate, so each hour does more. Trim overheads, so there is less to cover. Or bill more of your working hours, so fewer are wasted. Small moves on each add up fast.
Break-even is the floor, not the goal
Hitting break-even just means the business survives. The point of running it is the profit above that line.
This calculator shows the extra revenue and hours needed to reach a target profit on top of break-even, so you are aiming at a number worth working for — not just staying afloat.
Who is this calculator for?
See the target and the takings together
That makes it easier to know, month by month, whether you are ahead of break-even or behind it — one connected record from enquiry to final payment.
Build the numbers behind break-even
Use these alongside your break-even target.
Trade business break-even questions
Quick answers to the questions people ask most.
Know the number you have to hit
Turn your wage and overheads into a clear monthly target, then track it against real takings with FieldHive.
