Output Costing

Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on July 12, 2023

Output Costing: Definition

Output costing is concerned with analyzing the different elements of expenditure so as to determine the factory cost, office cost, and total cost per unit.

The per-unit cost is calculated by dividing the total expenditure by the quantity produced.

Output Costing: Explanation

This system of costing is used in industries with the following characteristics:

  • Production is uniform and a continual affair
  • Units of production are identical
  • Cost units are physical and natural.

Here, the cost sheet is prepared with a view to illuminating every aspect of cost.

This is why comparative figures for a preceding period are also made available in the cost statement, enabling the management to assess the progress of the business.

In place of (or in addition to) the preceding period's figures, the budgeted figures may also be made available so as to enable the management to understand the targeted figures and take decisions accordingly.

Example 1

If the cost price of a product is $10,000 and profit is expected to be realized at 10% of the cost, then what profit will be earned? How will you arrive at the figure?

Solution

First, take the cost price as $100. The profit on cost is 10%. This means the profit is $10 on a cost of $100, as assumed. Therefore, the profit on a cost of $10,000 is $10,000 x (10/100) = $1,000

Example 2

If the cost price of a product is $10,000 and profit is expected to be realized at 10% on the selling price, then what will the profit be? How will you arrive at the figure?

Solution

First, take the selling price as $100. The cost price will, then, naturally be 10% less, which is $100 - 10% (i.e., $10), which equals $90.

Now, profit of $10 is on a cost of $90. Therefore, profit on a cost price of $10,000 will amount to $10,000 x (10/90) = $1,111.11 or 1,111.

Example 3

If the selling price of a particular product is $10,000 and profit is 10% on cost, then what profit will be earned? How will you arrive at the figure?

Solution

First, take the cost price as $100. The selling price will, then, naturally be 10% more, which is $100 + 10% = $110. Now, the profit on a selling price of $110 is $10.

Hence, the profit on a selling price of $10,000 will be $10,000 x (10/100) = $909 (approximately).

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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.