break-even estimate
noun phraseUK /ˌbreɪk ˈiːvən ˈestɪmət/
US /ˌbreɪk ˈiːvən ˈestɪmət/
A guess of how much you must sell to make back the money you spent.
The shop owner made a break-even estimate before opening her bakery.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A rough calculation of the sales level at which total costs equal total revenue.
The finance team prepared a break-even estimate for the new product line.
3. An approximate figure showing when an investment will pay for itself.
Our break-even estimate suggests the solar panels will pay off in six years.
4. A planning number used to decide whether a project is worth starting.
Without a reliable break-even estimate, the investors refused to fund the venture.