Answer Book question

What is break-even?

The level of sales at which you neither make nor lose money: fixed costs divided by the contribution per unit (price minus variable cost). Knowing it tells you how much you must sell every month just to survive. and whether that number is realistic for your market.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

The level of sales at which you neither make nor lose money: fixed costs divided by the contribution per unit (price minus variable cost). Knowing it tells you how much you must sell every month just to survive. and whether that number is realistic for your market.

Real life

Fixed costs ₹1.2 lakh a month. Each unit sells for ₹200 and costs ₹120 to make. Contribution ₹80. Break-even: 1,500 units a month. The owner's market research suggests 900 units. The business cannot work at this cost structure.

What this means

Break-even forces the conversation between costs and demand. If the break-even volume exceeds plausible sales, change the costs, the price, or the idea.

What to check

Fixed costs including your own salary and EMI Variable cost per unit Price the market will actually pay Plausible volume Months to reach break-even and cash to survive them

What people often miss

Leaving out your own salary and the loan EMI from fixed costs.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Kerala Rising's Opportunity Check runs break-even against evidence of demand, not hope.

An example

1,500 units needed; 900 plausible → not viable as designed.

When this may not be the right answer

None.

What to do next

Compute it Compare to evidence Redesign if needed

Related questions

What is DSCR and why does the bank care? I saw a machine on Instagram. Is the business viable?

Related Kerala Rising help

Opportunity Check · Start or grow a business

Sources and what to verify

RBI directions on MSE collateral-free lending · CGTMSE scheme guidelines · MSMED Act 2006 delayed-payment provisions · MSME Samadhaan portal · Udyam registration portal · Kerala Industries Department scheme documents (verify current terms) Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Send us the quotation before you pay the advance. Or send us the bank's letter before you sign the mortgage. We will tell you what questions to ask. WhatsApp +1 443 595 9000 · keralarising.com Kerala Rising › Business › Finance · Business 21

Before you act

This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.