Last updated: Jan 26, 2026 · Methodology v2026.01.1
Marketing Break-even Calculator
See how much you can spend per lead or customer while staying profitable.
← More calculatorsWhat you'll need
- Average ticket value and gross margin.
- Conversion rate from lead to customer.
What you'll get
- Break-even cost per lead and acquisition.
- ROAS range.
Worked example
How the number is worked out
A flooring installer working out the most they can pay for a click.
Starting from
Working
Anything above about eleven dollars a click loses money on the first sale. That is a ceiling, not a target — bidding to break-even means working for nothing.
How this was calculated
Methodology v2026.01.1. These estimates are directional and depend on inputs and assumptions.
- Average ticket and gross margin define profit per sale.
- Conversion rate determines lead-to-customer math.
- Break-even cost per lead and acquisition are derived.
- ROAS range shown for quick comparison.
FAQ
What does break-even mean here?
It is the maximum you can spend before the sale produces zero profit.
Are these estimates exact?
No. They are directional so you can see the size of the leak before refining assumptions.
Can I change the assumptions?
Yes. Adjust the inputs to reflect your business and rerun the numbers.
Why use a range instead of a single number?
Ranges reflect uncertainty and help you stress-test best and worst cases.
Does this include profit?
Use the gross margin input to translate revenue impact into profit impact.
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