Fixed Costs

Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on June 08, 2023

Fixed Costs: Definition

Fixed costs are costs that remain constant in total within a relevant range of volume or activity.

Here, the concept of the relevant range is critical; it refers to the range of activity that the company expects to operate in.

Alternatively, a fixed cost is a cost that does not vary and, in this way, remains constant over a given period.

It also stays in a specific range of activity despite fluctuations in production volume.

Examples of Fixed Costs

Examples of fixed costs include:

  • Rent
  • Insurance
  • Advertising
  • Plant superintendent’s salary

Fixed Costs: Explanation

Fixed costs (or constant costs) are costs that are not affected by an increase or decrease in production.

That is to say, fixed costs remain constant for a given period despite changes in production volume.

For practical purposes, this definition of fixed cost can be changed slightly.

A fixed cost will change over time due to situational factors that are not impacted by a firm’s activity (e.g., rent or taxes may change). As such, a cost is fixed only within a limited time period.

Hence, the reference to a time period is essential for the concept of fixed costs. It implies that, in the long run, all costs tend to be variable. The diagram below illustrates the concept of fixed costs.

Graphical View of the Concept of a Fixed Cost

Total fixed costs are shown by a straight line drawn parallel to the x-axis because fixed costs do not respond to changes in volume or activity.

Characteristics of Fixed Costs

  • A fixed cost remains constant over a given period.
  • Per-unit fixed cost is inversely proportional to output (i.e., it decreases as output increases, while it increases as output decreases).
  • Its allocation to departments or cost centers is generally made by managerial decisions that typically adopt various cost apportionment methods.
  • Top management personnel (rather than departmental supervisors) are responsible for controlling fixed costs.
  • Fixed costs are not fixed for the long term.

Fixed Costs FAQs

About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.