Restaurant Finance
Restaurant Break-Even Calculator
Estimate the sales and covers required to pay for fixed and variable costs.
Contribution per cover$19.50
Contribution margin65%
Break-even covers1,539
Break-even revenue$46,153.85
How to use this tool
Enter monthly fixed costs, the average guest check, and variable cost percentage. Use a representative period rather than an unusually busy or quiet week.
What the result means
The result estimates contribution per cover and the covers and revenue required to reach operating break-even.
Frequently asked questions
What belongs in monthly fixed costs?
Include costs that do not materially change with each additional cover, such as base rent, fixed subscriptions, and salaried overhead.
Is break-even the same as a profit target?
No. Break-even only covers the entered costs. Add the required profit and cash buffer when setting an operating sales goal.