Optimize your boutique electronics manufacturing with our Nixie Tube Calculator. Quickly determine the break-even point for your vintage-style hardware projects.
Nixie Tube Calculator
Leave one field empty to calculate its value.
Nixie Tube Calculator Formula
Source: Investopedia – Break-Even Point Definition
Variables:
- Quantity (Q): The number of nixie tube units you need to sell to cover all costs.
- Price (P): The selling price for each individual nixie tube clock or device.
- Variable Cost (V): The cost to produce one unit (materials, labor, tube cost).
- Fixed Costs (F): Costs that don’t change with production (rent, equipment, marketing).
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What is Nixie Tube Calculator?
A Nixie Tube Calculator in this context is a specialized business tool designed for engineers and hobbyists who manufacture high-end vintage electronics. Because Nixie tubes (cold cathode neon displays) are expensive and often “new-old-stock,” understanding the financial threshold of production is critical.
This calculator uses the Break-Even Point (BEP) logic to help you decide if a specific production run of Nixie clocks or thermometers is financially viable. By balancing the high cost of components against your market price, you can determine exactly how many units must be sold to avoid a loss.
How to Calculate (Example)
- Assume your Fixed Costs (F) for a laser cutter and workspace are $2,000.
- Your Variable Cost (V) per clock (including 6 tubes) is $80.
- You plan to sell each unit at a Price (P) of $200.
- Subtract V from P: $200 – $80 = $120 (Contribution Margin).
- Divide F by the margin: $2,000 / $120 = 16.67 units. You must sell 17 units to break even.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can lower the BEP by reducing fixed costs, sourcing cheaper tubes (lowering V), or increasing the premium price (P) of your device.
If your Variable Cost (V) is higher than your Selling Price (P), you are losing money on every unit sold, making it impossible to reach a break-even point.
Shipping to customers should be included in the Variable Cost (V) per unit for accurate results.
Due to the artisanal nature and scarcity of parts, many creators aim for a 50-70% margin per unit.