Consumer Psychology
Discount Break-Even Calculator
How much extra volume a discount must generate just to break even — the math most "SALE" signs never did.
Inputs
- Contribution margin
- Planned discount
How to use this calculator
- Enter your contribution margin percentage and the discount you plan to run.
- The tool shows how much more volume you must sell just to stand still.
- Discounts are far more expensive than they look. This reveals the real hurdle before you promote.
What each term means
- Discount break-even
- The extra sales volume needed to offset the margin a discount gives up.
- Contribution margin
- The profit share of each sale before fixed costs.
- Margin erosion
- How a price cut shrinks profit far faster than it grows volume.
Educational disclaimer: Outputs are simplified educational estimates built from the numbers you enter — they are not financial, legal, tax, or investment advice, and real decisions deserve verified figures and qualified professionals.