1) In cost-volume-profit (breakeven) analysis, the total cost curve is composed of total fixed and variable costs per unit multiplied by the number of units provided. Breakeven quantity occurs where the total cost curve and total sales revenue curve intersect. See: Break-even chart, Break-even point. 2) In inventory theory, the total cost curve for an inventory item is the sum of the costs of acquiring and carrying the item. Also see: Economic Order Quantity.