- Glossary
- Direct Costs
Direct Costs
A cost that might be directly related to the creation of a certain commodity or service is referred to as a direct cost. A department, a service, or a product could be the cost object and the origin of a direct cost. Direct and indirect costs are the two main types of expenses or prices that firms may incur. Direct costs frequently refer to variable costs that vary based on production and inventory levels.
Understanding Direct Costs
Despite the fact that they are typically variable expenses, direct costs may also contain fixed costs. For instance, the location of the manufacturing may have a significant impact on the rent. Most people consider rent to be a cost. However, companies may on occasion relate fixed costs to the volume of goods produced in a particular facility.
Examples of Direct Costs
Direct costs are any expenses incurred in the manufacture of a good, even if they only account for a small fraction of the total cost assigned to the production facility. Below are a couple of examples of direct costs:
- Direct work
- Direct resources
- Industrial supplies
- Salaries of the production team
- Consumption of fuel or power
Direct expenses do not need to be allocated to a product, department, or other cost objects because they can be directly linked to a specific product. Typically, only one cost item benefits from direct costs.
Direct vs. Indirect Costs
Determining direct costs' cost object is generally quite simple. For instance, M&M Motor Company produces cars and trucks.
Direct costs include the steel and bolts required for the manufacture of a car or truck. However, the electricity used in the manufacturing facility would be an indirect cost. The power expense is considered indirect because, while it can be linked to the facility, it cannot be directly linked to a particular unit.
Inventory Valuation Measurement
Direct costs include the steel and bolts required for the manufacture of a car or truck. However, the electricity used in the manufacturing facility would be an indirect cost. The power expense is considered indirect because, while it can be linked to the facility, it cannot be directly linked to a particular unit.
For instance, a business may have spent $500 and $600 on two windows for the construction of a building. Consistent accounting value must be used if only one window is to be installed on the building and the other will stay in stock.
Conclusion
- A cost that might be directly related to the creation of a certain commodity or service is referred to as a direct cost.
- A direct cost can be connected to the cost item, which could be a service, a product, or a department.
- Direct labor and direct supply are two instances of direct costs.
- Even though they are typically variable expenses, direct costs can also be constant costs. For example, a factory's rent may be strongly tied to its location of output.
