How do you calculate a restaurant's break-even point?

Break-Even Orders = Monthly Fixed Costs / (Average Order Value - Variable Cost per Order). Fixed costs include rent, salaries, insurance, and utilities. Variable costs include food cost and packaging per order.

What are typical fixed costs for a restaurant?

Common monthly fixed costs include rent ($2,000-$15,000+), staff wages ($4,000-$20,000+), utilities ($500-$2,000), insurance ($200-$800), software and subscriptions ($100-$500), and marketing ($200-$1,000). Costs vary greatly by location and size.

How many orders per day does a typical restaurant need?

This depends on your costs and order value. A small restaurant with $8,000/month in fixed costs and $25 average order at 30% food cost might need about 19 orders per day to break even. Higher-volume restaurants may need 50-100+ orders daily.

Free Restaurant Break-Even Calculator – How Many Orders Do You Need?

Enter Your Numbers

Input your monthly costs and average order details to see your break-even point.

Monthly Fixed Costs

Rent / Lease

Staff Wages

Utilities

Electric, gas, water, internet

Other Fixed Costs

Insurance, software, marketing, etc.

Order Details

Average Order Value

Food Cost %

Typically 25-35% for most restaurants

Your Current Orders / Day (optional)

If entered, we'll show whether you're above or below break-even

Days Open per Month

Your Break-Even Point

Your break-even point will appear here

Enter your costs and order details,
then click "Calculate"

You need at least

orders per day to break even

Total Monthly Fixed Costs $0

Average Order Value $0

Food Cost per Order $0

Contribution per Order $0

Break-Even Orders / Month 0

Break-Even Revenue / Month $0

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial or business advice. Actual costs and revenue will vary based on location, seasonality, operations, and many other factors. Always consult a qualified accountant or financial adviser before making business decisions.

Understanding Break-Even

Break-even analysis helps you understand the minimum activity needed to cover your costs. Here's a quick primer.

The Formula

Break-Even Orders = Fixed Costs ÷ Contribution per Order. Contribution = Order Value - Food Cost per Order. Every order above this number generates profit.

Fixed vs Variable Costs

Fixed costs (rent, wages, insurance) stay the same regardless of orders. Variable costs (ingredients, packaging) scale with each order. This distinction is key to the calculation.

How to Improve It

Lower your break-even point by: increasing average order value (upselling, combos), reducing food cost % (better supplier deals, less waste), or lowering fixed costs.

Break-Even
Calculator