How to Calculate Total Period Cost in Accounting
In the world of accounting, accurately calculating total period cost is crucial for businesses to assess their financial performance and make informed decisions.
Total period cost encompasses all expenses incurred during a specific accounting period, such as salaries, utilities, rent, and more.
Understanding how to calculate total period cost is essential for effective financial management.
In this article, we will dive into the details of calculating total period cost in accounting and provide you with valuable insights.
Direct vs. Indirect Costs
Before delving into total period cost calculation, it’s important to distinguish between direct and indirect costs.
Direct costs are expenses that can be directly attributed to a specific product or service, such as raw materials or labor.
On the other hand, indirect costs are expenses that are not easily traceable to a particular product or service, like administrative salaries or rent.
Identifying Different Cost Elements
To calculate the total period cost, you need to identify various cost elements that contribute to the overall expenses during a specific accounting period.
Some common cost elements include:
•Direct Materials Cost:
The cost of raw materials used in the production process
• Direct Labor Cost:
The cost of labor directly involved in manufacturing or providing services.
• Overhead Cost:
Indirect costs incurred to support the production process, such as utilities, rent, or depreciation.
• Selling and Administrative Expenses
Costs associated with marketing, sales, and general administration.
Calculation of Total Period Cost
To calculate the total period cost, you need to sum up all the cost elements identified in the previous step. The formula for calculating total period cost is as follows:
Total Period Cost = Direct Materials Cost + Direct Labor Cost + Overhead Cost + Selling and Administrative Expenses
It’s important to ensure that all relevant costs are included to get an accurate representation of the total period cost.
FAQs
What is the difference between total period cost and product cost?
Total period cost includes all expenses incurred during a specific accounting period, including both product costs and period costs.
Product costs are directly associated with the production of goods or services, while period costs are not directly tied to the production process.
How do I allocate overhead costs to products or services?
Overhead costs can be allocated to products or services using various methods, such as activity-based costing (ABC) or predetermined overhead rates based on machine hours or direct labor hours.
Are all selling and administrative expenses considered period costs?
Yes, selling and administrative expenses are considered period costs as they are not directly tied to the production process. They include costs related to marketing, sales, and general administration.
Can total period cost be used for decision-making purposes?
Yes, understanding the total period cost is essential for making informed business decisions. It helps assess the overall expenses incurred by a business, allowing management to identify areas for cost reduction and improve profitability.
