Companies use break-even analysis to determine the prices they need to charge to cover both their variable and fixed costs. Fixed and variable costs are the two costs involved in break-even analysis.

If your goal is to save money, you'll want to calculate the break-even point on a mortgage refinance, which is when the savings from refinancing exceed the costs.

“In terms of crude protein in the low 3% range and the variable costs of a bale of hay at about break even on a per ton basis, it costs about $55 per bale to harvest hay right now,” DeVuyst said.