February 2025

Marginal costing is a widely adopted costing method that focuses on the variable costs associated with producing an additional unit of output. This approach is particularly useful for internal decision-making and provides valuable insights for businesses aiming to optimize operations, control costs, and improve profitability. Unlike absorption costing, which includes both fixed and variable costs in product pricing, marginal costing simplifies cost allocation by excluding fixed costs from product costs. This article argues in favor of marginal costing, discussing its advantages in decision-making, cost control, and its role in enhancing short-term business strategies.… Read more

Absorption costing, also known as full costing, remains one of the most widely used methods for accounting for production costs in businesses of all sizes. While it is often contrasted with marginal costing, absorption costing provides several significant advantages that make it indispensable in both external financial reporting and long-term business strategy. In this article, we argue for the use of absorption costing by examining its benefits in terms of compliance with accounting standards, its contribution to accurate product costing, and its role in providing a comprehensive understanding of a company’s financial health.… Read more

Absorption costing and marginal costing are two distinct approaches to accounting for production costs. Both methods impact profit calculations differently, and understanding these differences is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions regarding pricing, cost management, and profitability analysis. In this article, we compare the profits calculated under absorption costing and marginal costing, highlighting the key factors that cause discrepancies and explaining how each method influences profit reporting and decision-making. 1.… Read more

Under-absorbed fixed overhead occurs when the fixed overhead costs allocated to products are less than the actual fixed overhead costs incurred during a period. This situation typically arises when a business uses a predetermined overhead rate based on estimated production levels, but the actual production is lower than expected. Under-absorption can lead to under-reporting of costs and distorted profit margins. In this article, we explore the concept of under-absorbed fixed overhead, its causes, consequences, and how businesses can address it effectively to ensure accurate financial reporting and decision-making.… Read more

Over-absorbed fixed overhead occurs when the fixed overhead costs allocated to products exceed the actual fixed overhead costs incurred during a period. This situation typically arises when a business applies a predetermined overhead rate to products based on estimated production levels, but the actual production is higher than anticipated. Over-absorption of fixed overheads can lead to inflated profit margins and requires careful analysis to ensure that financial statements accurately reflect the true costs of production.… Read more

Absorption costing and marginal costing are two widely used cost accounting methods, each with distinct approaches to allocating costs. While both methods play important roles in determining the cost of goods sold (COGS) and profitability, they differ in how costs are categorized and assigned to products. Understanding the differences between absorption costing and marginal costing is crucial for businesses when making decisions regarding pricing, production levels, and financial reporting. This article explores the key differences between absorption costing and marginal costing and their respective applications in business decision-making.… Read more