Craft Fair Break-Even Inventory Calculator
Translate event fixed costs into a unit sales hurdle. Compare the break-even quantity with the number of saleable pieces you plan to bring.
Method and assumptions
Contribution per item = average selling price − variable cost. Break-even units = ceiling((booth + setup fixed costs) ÷ contribution). The stock-share output divides this unit hurdle by available stock; full-stock result assumes every available unit sells once.
Worked example
A $200 booth and $100 setup cost with $30 sale price and $9 variable cost has $21 contribution per item. The seller needs 15 sales to cover $300 fixed cost. With 40 units available, that is 37.5% of stock; selling all would leave $540 after entered costs.
How to use the result
Use the quantity to set a realistic event target or compare a smaller booth commitment. This does not forecast foot traffic or sell-through and excludes taxes, unpaid labor, travel not entered, and unsold-stock value.
Input meanings and limits
- Booth fee: The event space cost for this selling period.
- Other event setup costs: Entered fixed costs such as display or travel allocation.
- Average selling price per item: Use a blended price if you sell more than one item type.
- Variable cost per item sold: Item cost and per-sale variable expenses you choose to include.
- Saleable inventory available: Units available for this event.
Inputs accept finite, nonnegative values in the displayed ranges; percentages are bounded to 0–100% (with 99.99% maximum where division by the remaining share is used), and whole-unit or month fields require integers. Currency figures are shown in USD for convenience; enter values in one consistent currency. This is a planning worksheet, not financial, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Related calculators
Side hustle profit calculator and Marketplace fee price floor calculator.
Creator & reviewers
Creator persona
- Avery BennettPersonal finance & everyday budgeting
Reviewer personas
- Devon ShawFormula & assumptions review
- Sage MitchellClarity & usability review