VPN break‑even
calculator
How many paying customers would cover the cost of running your VPN? Enter your monthly price, server costs and payment fees to find your break-even point.
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Enter your costs
The numbers below are examples. Replace them with your own costs, then calculate the result.
How we calculate VPN break-even
- Fixed costs = platform + servers + support and other fixed costs.
- Cost per subscriber = price × (payment fee percentage ÷ 100) + fixed payment fee + other cost per subscriber.
- Contribution per subscriber = subscription price − cost per subscriber.
- Break-even subscribers = fixed costs ÷ contribution, rounded up to a whole subscriber. A positive contribution is required to cover positive fixed costs.
- Monthly surplus or shortfall = subscribers × contribution − fixed costs. Operating margin = monthly result ÷ revenue × 100.
Formula reference: U.S. Small Business Administration: break-even formula.
Worked example
With the example £8 subscription and a payment fee of 2.9% plus £0.20, each subscriber leaves £7.568 to cover fixed costs. It takes 60 paying subscribers to cover £450 a month. With 100 subscribers, £306.80 remains.
What to include in your costs
The estimate assumes every subscriber pays once a month and costs stay the same. It leaves out tax, refunds, churn and setup costs. Include advertising and support in the cost inputs if you want to count them. The payment fees are examples, so use your gateway’s rates.
Check the details behind your estimate
Use these references to check the costs, features and work involved before choosing a setup.
Discuss your VPN requirements
Ask about server capacity, apps and support so your estimate uses a quote for your requirements.
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Browse the guidesFrequently asked questions
How many VPN subscribers do I need to break even?
Divide your fixed monthly costs by the amount left from each subscription after payment fees and other costs per customer. Round up to the next whole subscriber. The calculator does this with the costs you enter.
What if a subscriber costs more than they pay?
More subscribers will increase the loss. If the price only covers the costs per subscriber, nothing remains for fixed costs. You will need to change the price or costs before there is a reachable break-even target.
Can I use this for annual VPN subscriptions?
Divide the annual price by 12 for a rough monthly comparison. Annual payments have different fees and payment timing, so adjust the fee inputs. This tool does not show when cash reaches your bank.
Are these actual VPN platform prices?
The starting numbers are examples. Replace them with your supplier quotes, server bills and payment fees, all in the same currency. You can check BillingServ’s VPN page for current options.
Plan your VPN service
Use the result as a starting point for a quote. Compare the platform fee, server capacity, apps and support you will need for your own branded VPN.