profit-volume ratio
profit-volume ratio
a ratio used in MARGINAL COSTING and BREAKEVEN analysis which shows the CONTRIBUTION as a percentage of sales. For example, if the profit-volume ratio is 42%, then for every £100 of sales a contribution towards fixed costs and profit of £42 will be generated, provided that selling prices and unit variable costs do not change.Collins Dictionary of Business, 3rd ed. © 2002, 2005 C Pass, B Lowes, A Pendleton, L Chadwick, D O’Reilly and M Afferson