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What’s the ideal subscriber count for a coworking space to achieve profitability?

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a coworking space.

Our business plan for a coworking space will help you succeed in your project.

How many members do you need to make your coworking space profitable without too much hassle?

How many members does a coworking space usually need to break even?

How does the location of a coworking space affect the number of members needed to make a profit?

What kind of monthly income does each member typically bring in for a coworking space?

How much should a coworking space spend on marketing to attract enough members?

What occupancy rate does a coworking space need to be profitable?

How does the size of a coworking space influence the number of members needed?

What is the usual turnover rate in a coworking space, and how does it affect profits?

How do extra services offered by a coworking space change the number of members needed?

What is the cost per square foot for a coworking space, and how does it affect the number of members needed?

How does the target market of a coworking space influence the number of members needed?

What is the typical profit margin for a coworking space?

How does community engagement in a coworking space affect its profitability?

These are questions we frequently receive from entrepreneurs who have downloaded the business plan for a coworking space. We’re addressing them all here in this article. If anything isn’t clear or detailed enough, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Right Formula to Determine the Ideal Subscriber Count for Coworking Space Profitability

  • 1. Determine total operational costs:

    Identify all monthly operational costs for the coworking space, including rent, utilities, staff salaries, maintenance, and other overheads.

  • 2. Calculate the break-even point:

    Divide the total monthly operational costs by the average membership fee to find the number of subscribers needed to cover all costs without making a profit.

  • 3. Set a profit margin goal:

    Decide on a desired profit margin percentage to determine the revenue target needed for profitability.

  • 4. Calculate required revenue for profitability:

    Multiply the total operational costs by (1 + desired profit margin) to find the revenue needed to achieve the profit goal.

  • 5. Determine ideal subscriber count:

    Divide the required revenue by the average membership fee to find the number of subscribers needed to achieve the desired profit margin.

  • 6. Assess space capacity and pricing strategy:

    Ensure that the ideal subscriber count does not exceed the space's maximum capacity and consider adjusting pricing strategies if necessary to optimize profitability.

An Illustrative Example You Can Use

Replace the bold numbers with your own data to get a result for your project.

To help you better understand, let’s take a fictional example. Imagine a coworking space with a total operational cost of $50,000 per month, which includes rent, utilities, staff salaries, maintenance, and other overheads.

The space can accommodate up to 200 members, and the average membership fee is set at $300 per month. To determine the ideal subscriber count for profitability, we first calculate the break-even point, where total revenue equals total costs.

The break-even point in terms of subscribers is calculated by dividing the total monthly costs by the average membership fee: $50,000 / $300 = approximately 167 subscribers. This means that at 167 subscribers, the coworking space covers all its costs but does not yet make a profit.

To achieve profitability, the space needs to exceed this break-even point. Assuming the goal is to achieve a 20% profit margin, we calculate the required revenue by multiplying the total costs by 1.20 (to account for the desired profit margin): $50,000 * 1.20 = $60,000.

Next, we determine the number of subscribers needed to reach this revenue target by dividing the required revenue by the average membership fee: $60,000 / $300 = 200 subscribers. Therefore, the ideal subscriber count for this coworking space to achieve a 20% profit margin is 200 subscribers, which also happens to be the maximum capacity of the space.

This scenario highlights the importance of optimizing space utilization and pricing strategies to ensure profitability.

With our financial plan for a coworking space, you will get all the figures and statistics related to this industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average break-even subscriber count for a coworking space?

The average break-even subscriber count for a coworking space typically ranges from 50 to 100 members, depending on the location and operational costs.

Factors such as rent, utilities, and staffing significantly influence this number.

It's crucial to conduct a detailed financial analysis to determine the specific break-even point for your space.

How does location impact the ideal subscriber count for profitability?

Location can greatly affect the ideal subscriber count, with urban areas often requiring a higher count due to increased costs.

In a high-rent district, you might need 150 to 200 members to achieve profitability.

Conversely, in a lower-cost area, 50 to 75 members might suffice.

What is the typical revenue per member in a coworking space?

The typical revenue per member in a coworking space is around $200 to $500 per month.

This figure can vary based on the services and amenities offered.

Premium locations or spaces with additional services can command higher rates.

How much should be allocated for marketing to reach the ideal subscriber count?

Marketing budgets for coworking spaces often range from 5% to 10% of total revenue.

Effective marketing strategies are essential to attract and retain members.

Allocating sufficient funds for marketing can help achieve the desired subscriber count more quickly.

What is the average occupancy rate needed for profitability?

The average occupancy rate needed for profitability in a coworking space is typically around 70% to 80%.

This rate ensures that fixed costs are covered and a profit margin is achieved.

Maintaining a high occupancy rate is crucial for financial sustainability.

How does the size of the coworking space affect the ideal subscriber count?

Larger coworking spaces generally require a higher subscriber count to cover increased operational costs.

A space of 10,000 square feet might need 200 to 300 members for profitability.

Smaller spaces can achieve profitability with fewer members due to lower overheads.

What is the expected churn rate in a coworking space, and how does it affect profitability?

The expected churn rate in a coworking space is typically around 10% to 20% per month.

High churn rates can negatively impact profitability by increasing the need for constant member acquisition.

Implementing retention strategies is essential to maintain a stable subscriber base.

How does offering additional services impact the ideal subscriber count?

Offering additional services can reduce the ideal subscriber count needed for profitability by increasing revenue per member.

Services such as meeting room rentals, event hosting, and premium memberships can boost income.

These offerings can help offset fixed costs and improve overall financial performance.

What is the average cost per square foot for a coworking space, and how does it influence subscriber count?

The average cost per square foot for a coworking space ranges from $20 to $50 annually, depending on the location.

Higher costs per square foot necessitate a higher subscriber count to cover expenses.

Negotiating favorable lease terms can help manage these costs effectively.

How does the coworking space's target market affect the ideal subscriber count?

The target market can significantly influence the ideal subscriber count, as different demographics have varying needs and budgets.

Spaces targeting freelancers might require a higher count due to lower individual spending power.

Conversely, targeting corporate clients can reduce the necessary count due to higher revenue per member.

What is the typical profit margin for a coworking space?

The typical profit margin for a coworking space is around 10% to 20%.

This margin can vary based on operational efficiency and additional revenue streams.

Achieving a healthy profit margin requires careful management of costs and pricing strategies.

How does the coworking space's community engagement impact profitability?

Strong community engagement can enhance member retention and reduce churn rates, positively impacting profitability.

Engaged communities often lead to word-of-mouth referrals, reducing marketing costs.

Fostering a vibrant community can be a key differentiator in a competitive market.

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