COGS Formula:
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Cost Of Goods Sold (COGS) represents the direct costs attributable to the production of goods sold by a company. This amount includes the cost of materials and labor directly used to create the product, but excludes indirect expenses such as distribution costs and sales force costs.
The calculator uses the standard COGS formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the actual cost of inventory that was sold during the accounting period by tracking inventory changes.
Details: Accurate COGS calculation is essential for determining gross profit, analyzing business performance, preparing financial statements, and making informed pricing decisions.
Tips: Enter all values in the same currency unit. Beginning and ending inventory should be valued using consistent accounting methods (FIFO, LIFO, or weighted average).
Q1: What's included in COGS?
A: COGS includes direct material costs, direct labor costs, and manufacturing overhead directly tied to production.
Q2: What's excluded from COGS?
A: Excluded items include marketing expenses, administrative salaries, shipping to customers, and other indirect operating expenses.
Q3: How does inventory method affect COGS?
A: Different inventory valuation methods (FIFO, LIFO, weighted average) can significantly impact COGS calculation and reported profits.
Q4: Why is COGS important for businesses?
A: COGS directly affects gross profit margin, helps in pricing decisions, and is crucial for tax calculations and financial analysis.
Q5: How often should COGS be calculated?
A: COGS should be calculated for each accounting period (monthly, quarterly, annually) to maintain accurate financial records and performance tracking.