[Commerce Class Notes] on Variable Cost Pdf for Exam

Examples of Variable Costs 

With the explanation mentioned above, these can be a few examples of variable cost in an organisation. 

Variable Cost Formula 

The formula for the variable cost is simple as one just needs to add the various kinds of variable expenses made in the organisation. 

For instance, a cupcake company produces 20 units of a cupcake, which requires raw materials worth Rs.500, direct labour costs Rs.1000, and packaging cost Rs.200. In this case, the variable cost will be calculated as a sum of raw materials, labour costs, and packaging cost, i.e. Rs. 1700. That is the variable cost to produce a single kind of product. Further, if the raw material costs, labour costs, and packaging costs are mentioned for one unit, then the sum should be multiplied against the number of products produced by the company. 

Now, this variable cost can be represented into two different ways 

1. Total variable cost 

2. Average variable cost

Total Variable Cost 

To calculate the total variable cost, you need to consider all kinds of products developed or manufactured by the company. First, calculate the variable cost of each unit and multiply it with the quantity of units produced. Repeat the same for all kinds of products and then add the individual variable costs calculated. 

Total Variable Cost Formula = cost of manufacture * number of units of the product

For example, a company produces different types of scented candles. They have three products with the flavours Jasmine, lavender, and lily. Now, the variable cost per unit for Jasmine is Rs.10. Variable cost per unit for lavender is Rs.20, and variable cost per unit for Jasmine is Rs.5. The company produces 50 units of Jasmine, 30 units of lavender, and 20 units of lily candles. 

Then as per TVC formula, it will be = [(10*50) + (20*30) + (5*20)]

Therefore, the total variable cost will be Rs.1200. 

Average Variable Cost 

The average variable cost is an estimation of how much it takes to produce one unit of products. 

Average variable cost = (TVC of 1st product + TVC of 2nd product + … TVC of nth product) / Number of units produced

Break-Even Analysis 

Variable costs play a crucial role in break-even analysis that is useful in the determination of the required revenue, which is sufficient to compensate for all incurred costs (especially fixed cost). 

Break-even point (in units) = Fixed costs / (Sales price per unit – Variable costs per unit) 

Therefore, companies need to reach their break-even point so that they don’t undergo any losses and head towards earning profit. And hence the study of variable and fixed costs is crucial for students. They need to know the formula to find variable cost so that they can determine business conditions better and perform accordingly. 

Since you are now familiar with the concept of variable costs incurred in an organisation, it is about time to test your knowledge. Try answering these questions on your own. 

Questions to Answer 

1. Consider the Variable Cost Per Unit as Rs.25 and the Proportion of Sold Items is 5,000 units. The Calculated Total Variable Cost Will be Equal to 

2. Rs.1,35,000 

3. Rs.1,55,000 

4. Rs.1,25,000

5. Rs.1,50,000 

Answer: c 

2.The Difference Between Fixed Cost and Variable Cost is Known as 

1. Marginal income 

2. Operating income 

3. Unit income 

4. Fixed income 

Answer: b

 3.Variable Costing Can also be Called as 

1. Direct costing 

2. Marginal costing 

3. Indirect costing 

4. Both ‘a’ and ‘b’ 

Answer: d 

Since such concepts are significant from a business perspective, it becomes necessary for students to get in-depth knowledge about the topic. In addition to this, they can acquire comprehensive study material from ’s website or one can download the app to access quality study notes anytime and from anywhere.