 On the week ending August 28, 2004, "Breakaway" debuted at number sixty on the Billboard Hot 100. On its tenth week, the song jumped from number twelve to number ten to become Clarkson's third Top 10 song in the chart, following "A Moment Like This" and "Miss Independent". It peaked at number six on the week ending November 20, 2004. The song spent forty-six weeks in Billboard Hot 100, a feat that was later achieved by its immediate successor, "Since U Been Gone". It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 5, 2005. "Breakaway" also debuted at number thirty-seven on the US Pop Songs on the week dated August 21, 2004. Three months later, it peaked at number two on the week ending November 13, 2004 and was held off the top spot by Nelly featuring Tim McGraw's "Over and Over". The song entered Billboard Adult Pop Songs at number thirty-six on the week dated August 21, 2004 before peaking at number two on the week ending February 12, 2005.
