Contribution Margin Calculator
From selling price, variable costs, fixed costs and sales volume, get contribution margin I and II, break-even quantity and revenue, and the margin of safety.
CM I / Unit
€27.40
54.9 % of SP
CM I total
€27,400.00
CM II (Operating Result)
€12,400.00
Break-Even
548 units
Overview
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the contribution margin?
The contribution margin is the selling price minus variable costs. It shows how much each product contributes to covering fixed costs and generating profit. A positive contribution margin means the product is worth selling.
What is the difference between contribution margin I and II?
Contribution margin I only deducts variable costs. Contribution margin II additionally deducts product-specific fixed costs. CM II shows the true profitability of each product or product line.
Are my entered amounts stored anywhere?
No. All calculations happen exclusively in your browser. Your inputs are never sent to our server or stored. You can safely enter sensitive financial data.
Guide
What is the Contribution Margin Calculator?
The contribution margin calculator computes the margin as the difference between revenue and variable costs of a product or service.
How does the Contribution Margin Calculator work?
Enter the selling price and variable unit cost. Contribution margin I = price minus variable costs. After deducting fixed costs you get CM II. The break-even point shows the required sales volume.
Key Data and Facts
CM I = revenue minus variable costs. CM II = CM I minus fixed costs. Break-even volume = fixed costs / CM I per unit. The contribution margin analysis is central to pricing.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate the contribution margin (Deckungsbeitrag) step by step: 1. Enter the selling price per unit: The net price at which you sell the product. 2. Determine the variable unit costs: Material, production labour, packaging, shipping – all costs incurred per unit sold. 3. Calculate contribution margin I: CM I = selling price - variable unit costs. 4. Enter the fixed costs: Rent, salaries, insurance, depreciation – costs that are incurred regardless of sales volume. 5. Calculate contribution margin II: CM II = total CM I - fixed costs. A positive CM II = profit. 6. Calculate the break-even quantity: Fixed costs / CM I per unit = minimum sales volume to cover costs. Example: A product with a selling price of 45 EUR. Variable costs: material 12 EUR, production 8 EUR, shipping 3 EUR = 23 EUR. CM I: 45 - 23 = 22 EUR per unit. Fixed costs: 15,000 EUR/month. Break-even: 15,000 / 22 = 682 units/month. At 800 units/month: total CM I = 17,600 EUR. CM II = 17,600 - 15,000 = 2,600 EUR profit.
Calculation Example
Product: selling price EUR 45, variable costs EUR 23. Contribution margin I: EUR 22/unit. Fixed costs: EUR 15,000/month. Break-even: 682 units. At 800 units: profit EUR 2,600/month.
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Deutsche Bundesbank
- Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin)
- Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis)
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
Finance
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