Accounting Share · Break-even & decisions
High-Low Cost Calculator
Split a mixed cost into estimated variable and fixed components using the observations at the highest and lowest activity levels.
The interactive calculator requires JavaScript. The formula and worked example below remain available.
01 / Enter your figures
Make the numbers yours.
Use one currency and consistent time periods. Amounts are shown in your input currency units; no currency conversion is performed.
02 / See the working
Your calculation
Enter your figures, then choose Calculate. Or load the worked example.
03 / Understand the method
Formula and method
Variable cost per unit = Change in cost ÷ Change in activity
Split a mixed cost into estimated variable and fixed components using the observations at the highest and lowest activity levels.
How to use this calculator
- Collect the figures for the same entity, currency and reporting period.
- Enter each input using its label and unit. For percentages, enter 15 to mean 15%.
- Choose Calculate, inspect the breakdown and compare the result with your assumptions.
- Change one input to explore a scenario. Recalculate after edits; display rounding does not round the underlying calculation.
Inputs at a glance
- Higher activity units: A nonnegative numeric input in the units specified by the label.
- Cost at higher activity: A nonnegative numeric input in the units specified by the label.
- Lower activity units: A nonnegative numeric input in the units specified by the label.
- Cost at lower activity: A nonnegative numeric input in the units specified by the label.
Worked example
Follow one calculation.
- Higher activity units
- 2000
- Cost at higher activity
- 18000
- Lower activity units
- 1000
- Cost at lower activity
- 12000
- Calculated result
- 6
Load this example in the interactive form to inspect the intermediate amounts.
Assumptions and interpretation
Choose points by activity, not by highest and lowest total cost. Two observations are sensitive to outliers and may not describe the relevant range.
The output is a model based on the figures entered. Check source records and use the accounting or contractual definitions relevant to your task before relying on a result.
Questions about this tool
What does the high-low cost calculation measure?
Split a mixed cost into estimated variable and fixed components using the observations at the highest and lowest activity levels.
Which assumptions can change the result?
Choose points by activity, not by highest and lowest total cost. Two observations are sensitive to outliers and may not describe the relevant range.
Why can displayed totals differ slightly from my spreadsheet?
Calculations use the unrounded input values. Only the display is rounded. Use four or six decimal places to inspect small differences, and check the timing, sign conventions and rounding policy in your spreadsheet.
Reference and further learning
Cost-volume-profit study reference. These original learning examples apply the displayed formula; the reference does not certify or endorse this calculator.
Look up an accounting term · Practise with accounting questions
Formula and worked example checked 4 November 2026. Calculations run in your browser without sending the entered figures to Accounting Share. Report a calculation issue with the tool name, example inputs and expected result; avoid sharing confidential records.
