Break-Even Chart

On the vertical axis, the breakeven chart plots the revenue, variable cost, and the fixed costs of the company, and on the horizontal axis, the volume is being plotted. The chart helps in portraying the company’s ability to earn a profit with the present cost structure.

The following example of the break-even chart provides an outline of the most common type of break-even chart present. Each of the examples of the breakeven chart states the topic, relevant reasons, and additional comments wherever required.

Example

Company Bag Ltd. produces and sells the bags in the market and wants to conduct the break-even analysisBreak-even AnalysisBreak-even analysis refers to the identifying of the point where the revenue of the company starts exceeding its total cost i.e., the point when the project or company under consideration will start generating the profits by the way of studying the relationship between the revenue of the company, its fixed cost, and the variable cost.read more of its business. The accountant in charge of the company determined that the fixed cost of the company consisting of salaries of the employees, rent cost, property tax, etc. will remain the same at $ 1,000,000. The variable cost, which is associated with the production of one unit of the bag, will come to $ 20. The bag is sold in the market at a premium price of $ 120. Prepare the break-even chart for Company Bag Ltd.

Solution:

Given,

  • Fixed Cost: $ 1,000,000Variable cost: $ 20 per unitSales price: $ 120 per unitContribution per unit = Sales price per unit – Variable cost per unitVariable Cost Per UnitVariable cost per unit refers to the cost of production of each unit produced, which changes when the output volume or the activity level changes. These are not committed costs as they occur only if there is production in the company.read moreContribution per unit = $ 120 – $ 20Contribution per unit = $ 100

Calculation of break-evenCalculation Of Break-evenThe break-even point (BEP) formula denotes the point at which a project becomes profitable. It is determined by dividing the total fixed costs of production by the contribution margin per unit of product manufactured. Break-Even Point in Units = Fixed Costs/Contribution Margin read more quantity can be done as follows:

Break-Even quantity = ($ 1,000,000 / $ 100)

Break-Even Quantity = 10,000 units

It shows that the company Bag Ltd. would be required to sell the 10,000 units of bags to achieve the break-even at the given fixed cost, selling price, and the variable cost of the bag.

Graphical Representation of Break-Even Chart

Below is the Break even chart for the above example of bag ltd:

For the presentation of the break-even chart, total fixed costs, total variable costsTotal Variable CostsTotal variable cost is the total of all variable costs that would change in proportion to the output or the production of units and helps analyze the company’s overall costing and profitability. Total variable cost formula = number of units produced x variable cost per unit.read more, total costs, and the total revenue will be calculated at the particular unit sold as follows

Calculation of Different Costs for Bag Ltd for Different Number of Units Sold

Break-Even Chart

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  • On the X-axis (horizontal), the number of units is shown, and on the Y-axis (vertical), a dollar amount is presented.The blue line in the graph represents total fixed costs amounting to $ 1000,000. The line of the fixed costs is straight as the fixed cost remains unchanged irrespective of the number of units sold by the company.The green line represents revenue from the products sold. For example, selling 10,000 units of the bag would generate a revenue of $ 1,200,000 (10,000 x $ 120) for the company, and selling 8,000 units of the bag would generate a revenue of $ 960,000 (8,000 x $120).The red line represents the total costs, i.e., the sum of the fixed costs and the variable costs. Like in the present case, if a company sells the 0 units, then the variable cost of the company would be $ 0, but the fixed costs will be incurred in that case also so the fixed cost would be $ 1000,000, making the total costs to $ 1000,000. Now, if a company sells 10,000 units, then the variable cost of the company would be $ 200,000 (10,000 x $20), and the fixed costs would be $ 1000,000, making the total costs to $ 1,200,000.As calculated above the breakeven point of the company is at the 10,000 units. At breakeven point, revenue of the company would be $ 1,200,000 (10,000 x $ 120), the variable costs would be $ 200,000 (10,000 x 2) and the fixed costs would be $ 1,000,000 making the total cost of $ 1,200,000 ($ 200,000 + $ 1,000,000).

Now, when the number of units sold exceeds the breakeven point of 10,000 units, then the company Bag Ltd. would be making profits on the goods sold. As per the chart, when the green line of the revenue is greater than the total costs red line after the 10,000 units produced and sold, then Bag Ltd. would be making profits on the goods sold. Likewise, in case the number of units sold is below 10,000 units, then the company Bag Ltd. would be in loss. As per the chart, 0-9,999 units produced and sold total costs red line is above the green total revenue line where the company Bag Ltd. would be in loss.

Conclusion

The break-even chart, also known as the Cost volume profit graph, is a graphical representation of the sales units and the dollar sales required for the break-even. On the vertical axis, the chart plots the revenue, variable cost, and the fixed costs of the company, and on the horizontal axis, the volume is being plotted.

This article has been a guide to Break Even Chart. Here we discuss how to create a break-even chart analysis along with practical examples, graphical representation, and calculations. You can learn more about accounting from the following articles –

  • Semi Variable Cost FormulaAccounting Break-Even PointIncremental Costs Calculation