Food Truck Break-Even Calculator
Calculate how many orders per day your food truck needs to cover fixed costs, then test whether your daily sales target can also pay back the original startup investment.
How to use this estimate
Enter local quotes where you have them, then use the default ranges as a planning baseline. The calculator is best for comparing equipment, vehicle, permit, insurance, commissary, labor, and working-capital assumptions before you request final vendor bids.
Enter Your Break-Even Assumptions
Break-Even Results
Startup Cost Payback
Break-even only covers monthly operating costs. Payback adds the original startup investment on top, which is why a cheaper cart or trailer can be financially safer even when monthly profit is lower.
How the calculator works
| Metric | Formula |
|---|---|
| Contribution per order | Average ticket - food cost - packaging - card fees |
| Break-even orders/day | Monthly fixed costs / operating days / contribution per order |
| Monthly profit | Daily orders x contribution/order x operating days - fixed costs |
| Payback months | Startup investment / projected monthly profit |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer: These calculators provide estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs, permit requirements, taxes, and operating results vary by location, business model, menu, and local regulations. Always verify permit and licensing requirements with your local health department, fire department, city clerk, and tax authority before operating.