How to Create a Break-Even Chart Analysis Template in Google Sheets

Understanding when your business will start making a profit is crucial. A break-even chart helps visualize this moment by showing when total revenue equals total costs. The good news? You don’t need fancy software—Google Sheets can do the job just fine.

What Is a Break-Even Analysis?

Break-even analysis is like a financial checkpoint—it tells you exactly when your business starts making money instead of covering costs.

It helps answer key questions like, “How many products do I need to sell to avoid losing money?” or “At what point does my revenue match my expenses?”

By looking at fixed costs (like rent) and variable costs (like materials), you can set smart prices and sales goals. Think of it as a roadmap that helps you navigate risks, plan better, and make sure your business is on the right track to profitability.

Step 1: Set Up Your Google Sheet

Open Google Sheets and start a new blank spreadsheet. Give your spreadsheet a name for easy organization.

Then, label your headers:

• Units Sold
• Sales
• Fixed Costs
• Variable Costs
• Total Costs

Step 2: Enter Your Fixed and Variable Costs

Fixed Costs: These are expenses that don’t change regardless of how much you sell (e.g., rent, salaries, utilities). Enter this value in a separate cell, say B2.

Variable Costs: These costs fluctuate depending on production levels (e.g., materials, packaging, shipping). List the cost per unit in cell B3.

Step 3: Input Sales Price Per Unit

Determine the price at which you plan to sell each unit and enter it in cell B4.

Calculate the Break-Even Point (BEP Unit) and BEP ($). Use the formula below to get the BEP Unit and BEP $:

• BEP Unit: =B6/(D6-C6)

• BEP ($): =E6*D6

Step 4: Fill in the Data Table

Under Units Sold, list a range of numbers (example: 0, 10, 20, 30, etc.). In the Sales column, apply this formula:

=B11*$D$6

This calculates sales revenue by multiplying units sold by the price per unit.

In the Total Cost column, use this formula:

=D11+E11

This calculates total costs by adding fixed costs to variable costs per unit.

Step 5: Insert a Break-Even Chart

Highlight the Units Sold, Total Costs, and Sales columns. Click Insert > Chart from the menu. In the Chart Editor, select a Line Chart.

Adjust labels for clarity and add a title like Break-Even Analysis. Your break-even point is where the Total Costs and Sales lines intersect—this is where profit begins!

Step 6: Share Your Template

Once your break-even analysis is complete, you may want to share it with your team or business partners. Click Share in the top-right corner of Google Sheets. Enter the email addresses of those who need access or copy the shareable link.

Adjust permissions to either Viewer, Commenter, or Editor, depending on how much control others should have. Click Done, and your break-even analysis is now accessible to your team.

Get the Free Break-Even Chart Analysis Template

Get a copy of the free Break-Even Chart Analysis Template. I’ve populated some cells as examples, but you can customize them as needed.

Final Thoughts

A break-even chart isn’t just a fancy graph—it’s a powerful tool for planning and decision-making. It helps you understand how changes in costs or pricing affect your profitability. With this template, you can quickly see how many units you need to sell to stay afloat and make smarter business choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What formulas are used in the template?

Here are the key formulas used:

• Variable Costs: =A2*[Cost per Unit] (e.g., =A2*5 if each unit costs $5 to produce).
• Total Costs: =B2+C2 (Fixed Costs + Variable Costs).
• Sales: =A2*[Selling Price per Unit] (e.g., =A2*20 if each unit sells for $20).

These formulas automatically update as you change the quantity or other inputs.

What if my costs or selling price changes?

No problem! The template is designed to be dynamic. Simply update the fixed costs, variable costs, or selling price in the relevant cells, and the chart will automatically recalculate and update.

How do I insert a break-even chart in Google Sheets?

Select the Units Sold, Total Costs, and Revenue columns. Click Insert > Chart from the menu. In the Chart Editor, choose Line Chart for better visualization. Label the chart and adjust colors for clarity. The break-even point is where the revenue and total cost lines intersect.