Free tool

Event Break-Even Calculator

Find how many tickets you need to sell to break even: enter fixed costs, variable cost per person and ticket price. Free event planning tool.

Venue, permanent staff, marketing, production
Catering, gadgets, materials per attendee
Contribution margin: €55/ticket

Break-even point

146 tickets
  • Contribution margin per ticket
    €55
  • Break-even (attendees needed)
    146 people
  • % capacity at break-even
    29.2%
  • 25% capacity (125 people)
    -€1,125
  • 50% capacity (250 people)
    €5,750
  • 75% capacity (375 people)
    €12,625
  • 100% capacity (500 people)
    €19,500

How it works

Enter the fixed costs of the event (venue, technical, staff), the variable cost per person and the ticket price to calculate how many registrations you need to break even. The interactive chart shows how the break-even point changes as the price or the costs change.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate the break-even point of a paid event?

You break even when revenue covers your costs. Formula: Break-Even = Fixed Costs / (Ticket Price - Variable Cost per Person). Use this calculator to find the minimum number of tickets you need to sell.

How do I set the ticket price for an event?

First calculate the break-even point, then add the margin you want. Consider perceived value, competitors' prices and how much your audience is willing to pay. Offer early bird prices to encourage early sales.

How many tickets does an event need to sell to be profitable?

It depends on the cost structure. With high fixed costs, breaking even requires selling many tickets. Real profit starts once you pass the break-even point: every extra ticket then adds its full contribution margin (ticket price minus variable cost).

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