Which factor is necessary to calculate the break-even point?

To calculate the break-even point, understanding the relationship between sales price and variable costs is essential. The break-even point represents the point at which total revenues equal total costs, meaning the business is neither making nor losing money.

Sales price refers to the amount of money received from customers for each unit sold, while variable costs are those expenses that change with the level of production, such as materials and labor. To determine the break-even point, one needs to know how much profit each unit sold contributes to covering fixed costs after accounting for variable costs. The formula for break-even analysis typically involves dividing total fixed costs by the contribution margin per unit (which is sales price minus variable cost).

This calculation allows businesses to determine the minimum number of units that must be sold to cover all costs. Thus, the proper consideration of both sales price and variable costs is crucial to accurately calculating the break-even point in a business context.