Cost Classification in Managerial Accounting
Meaning of Cost As a noun the term cost refers to a measure of resources consumed or forgone in monetary terms. As a verb the term cost means to ascertain what the cost has been. Cost can be classified in several ways. For example, factory rent can be classified as a fixed cost (classification by behaviour) or as a production cost (classification by function) or as an indirect cost (classification by nature), etc. Cost Classification By Behavior 1. Variable costs These are costs that change in total as the level of activity changes. However, you must note that variable costs per unit remain constant. Examples of variable costs include the cost of raw materials which increases as more and more raw materials are being produced. 2. Fixed costs These are costs that do not change (remain constant) as the level of activity changes. Examples include rent, salaries and insurance. 3. Stepped fixed costs These are costs that remain fixed within a relevant range and outside that relevant range th...