How to Do a Break Even Chart in Excel

An Excel chart offers a graphical explanation for the data.

Excel provides all the necessary tools to make a break-even chart. You can make a variety of charts for a break-even analysis and customize your chart using design tools. Find your break-even amounts by tweaking your variable-expense data and determine a predictable break-even amount. An Excel chart offers a graphical explanation for the data, making it easy to comprehend and present to others.

Things You'll Need

• Excel software

Instructions

1. Download the break-even analysis template (see Resources).

2. Fill in your data on either the fixed- or variable-expenses column. The break-even analysis will allow data in only one of the columns, because you cannot have both fixed and variable expenses for each category. Fill in the template with your data, and the break-even analysis will appear in the highlighted and commented box.

3. Load the Analysis ToolPak add-in. Go to Microsoft Excel options and click on "Add-ins." Navigate to "Manage Add-ins" and select "Go." If the Add-in manager indicates that the Analysis ToolPak is not installed, click "Yes" to install it.

4. Click the "Data" button on the Excel toolbar and click the "What-if-Analysis." Use the Scenario Manager, Goal Seek or Data Table to give you a customized view of your break-even analysis.

5. Make a new worksheet with column and row labels, such as "Revenue" and "Expenses," or months, such as "January" or "February." Fill in the rest of the data under these labels.

6. Select the data you want to use to find a break-even analysis. Do not select the columns or rows, but rather the data within those cells. Select the column and row labels or categories, along with the rest of the data.

7. Use the toolbar to access the chart group. Click "Insert," located on the toolbar. Look for the charts group and click the "Column" button. Click "2-D Column Chart" for your selection, and your chart should appear in the center of your worksheet.

Tips & Warnings

• You can move or resize the chart by dragging the its sides or corners. You also can change the chart type by right-clicking and selecting "Change Chart Type" on the menu.

• Visit the Microsoft website for visual Excel tutorials. Click the "Help" button in Excel to take you directly to the help you need.

• Back up all data.

• Set your preferences in Excel to "Quick Backups," which saves your work automatically.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• MicrosoftOffice.com: Break Even Template