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Use our free COGS calculator to instantly determine your cost of goods sold. Simplify your accounting and boost profitability with confidence.

Cost Of Goods Sold (COGS) Calculator

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COGS Calculator Guidelines

Let’s break it down—just follow these simple steps:

How to Use the COGS Calculator

  1. Enter Beginning Inventory: Inventory value at the start of the accounting period.
  2. Add Purchases: Total costs of materials or finished goods bought during the period.
  3. Include Labor Costs: Direct labor costs involved in production only.
  4. Add Overhead: Include manufacturing overhead (e.g., rent, utilities).
  5. Subtract Ending Inventory: Value of inventory remaining at the end of the period.
  6. Review Your COGS: Ensure all data reflects direct costs and is free of errors.

COGS Calculator Description

What is COGS?

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) refers to the direct costs associated with producing goods or services sold by a business. It is crucial for calculating:

  • Gross profit
  • Taxable income
  • Operational efficiency

Standard COGS Formula

COGS = Beginning Inventory + Purchases + Direct Labor + Manufacturing Overhead - Ending Inventory

Each component must reflect production-only costs. Exclude administrative, marketing, and distribution expenses.

Inventory Valuation Methods

Different accounting methods influence the COGS result:

  • FIFO (First-In, First-Out): Uses oldest inventory first.
  • LIFO (Last-In, First-Out): Uses most recent inventory first.
  • Weighted Average Cost: Applies an average cost to all units.
  • Specific Identification: Tracks unique items individually.

Case Studies

1. Manufacturing Firm

  • Beginning Inventory: $25,000
  • Purchases: $50,000
  • Labor: $20,000
  • Overhead: $10,000
  • Ending Inventory: $18,000
COGS = 25,000 + 50,000 + 20,000 + 10,000 - 18,000 = $87,000

2. Retail Clothing Store

  • Beginning Inventory: $10,000
  • Purchases: $30,000
  • Ending Inventory: $8,000
COGS = 10,000 + 30,000 - 8,000 = $32,000

Edge Cases to Consider

  • Zero Beginning Inventory: Common for startups or new product lines.
  • Negative Ending Inventory: Usually a data error and should be corrected.
  • Returns & Allowances: Adjust purchases downward to reflect actual spend.
  • Obsolete Inventory: Must be written off or excluded from ending inventory.
  • Consigned Goods: Should not be included in COGS calculations if not owned.

For more information, refer to Wikipedia or Investopedia.

Start calculating your COGS now and gain clarity on where your money is going—every dollar counts!

Example Calculation

Beginning InventoryPurchasesLabor CostsOverheadEnding InventoryCOGS
$25,000$50,000$20,000$10,000$18,000$87,000
$0$30,000$5,000$3,000$10,000$28,000
$15,000$40,000$10,000$5,000$12,000$58,000
$5,000$10,000$0$0$20,000-$5,000
$8,000$12,000$0$0$0$20,000

Frequently Asked Questions

COGS includes direct costs such as raw materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead involved in the production of goods.

COGS = Beginning Inventory + Purchases + Labor Costs + Overhead - Ending Inventory.

COGS directly affects gross profit. It also informs pricing, tax liability, and cost-control measures.

Yes, though COGS typically involves direct labor and any materials tied directly to service delivery.

Under FIFO, older (cheaper) costs are recorded first, often resulting in lower COGS during inflation. LIFO uses newer (likely higher) costs, increasing COGS and reducing taxable income.

Overstating ending inventory understates COGS, inflating profits. Understatement has the reverse effect, potentially misleading stakeholders.

Inbound shipping (to acquire inventory) is part of COGS. Outbound shipping (to customers) is not and is considered a selling expense.

Yes, COGS appears directly under revenue on the income statement and is used to determine gross profit.

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