The working behind the answer
How to use this calculator
Use fixed costs and target profit for the same period. The per-unit contribution must be sufficient to cover both. A zero target reduces this to a break-even calculation, while a positive target includes the additional contribution you want to achieve.
The formula
Calculate a profit target
Units = (fixed costs + target profit) ÷ (price − variable cost), rounded up
A worked example
With £1,200 fixed costs, £8 variable cost, a £20 price and a £600 target profit, required contribution is £1,800. At £12 per sale, you need 150 sales and £3,000 revenue.
Good to know
Prices and costs are assumed constant. Taxes, capacity constraints and expenses not entered are excluded. Whole-unit rounding can produce a result slightly above the target; the achieved profit is shown separately.
Common questions
Can I enter a zero profit target?
Yes. The required sales then cover the stated fixed and variable costs.
What if the selling price does not cover unit cost?
A positive profit target cannot be reached with those unit economics, so the tool asks for a correction.