Rates & sources
UK company rates (Corporation Tax, VAT, payroll NI) as published by HMRC and Companies House.
Source: HMRC — Running a business — figures refreshed at the start of each tax year.
When to use this calculator
- Before pricing a job, setting margin targets, or reviewing hiring costs.
- When you want to test sensitivity around volume, VAT, markup, or overhead changes.
- When you need a practical estimate before committing to a budget or proposal.
A realistic US planning example
Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.
Fixed Costs ($)
$500
Selling Price per Unit ($)
$0.30
Variable Cost per Unit ($)
$500
After entering these figures, compare break-even units, revenue needed and contribution margin before deciding which scenario looks strongest.
How to read your results
Break-Even Units
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how the key drivers affect the final outcome.
Revenue Needed
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how the key drivers affect the final outcome.
Contribution Margin
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how the key drivers affect the final outcome.
Common mistakes
- !Using optimistic assumptions without testing a more cautious scenario as well.
- !Comparing outputs from different tools without checking that the inputs match.
- !Treating the result as a final quote instead of a planning estimate.
What to do next
- Try at least one more scenario so you can compare a realistic range instead of a single estimate.
- Use the related calculators below to cross-check the decision from another angle.
- Open one of the linked guides if you need more context before you act on the result.
Frequently asked
Use arrow keys to navigate items, Enter or Space to expand/collapse.
End-of-article next steps
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