The Cost of Goods Sold equation changes depending if itâs for periodic or perpetual updating of inventory.
Periodic Updating is used for small businesses (mom and pop shops).
Perpetual Updating is used for bigger companies (Walmart).
Example (periodic): A company has 10 units in their beginning inventory that each cost $15. The company then purchases 25 units that cost $15 each. Its has 15 units in ending inventory. (COGAS = Cost of Goods Available for Sale)
Periodic Steps
Example (perpetual): A company has 10 units in their beginning inventory that each cost $15. The company then purchases 25 units that cost $15 each. It then sells 20 units.
Step 1: Multiply number of units and cost per unit to find the total cost of beginning inventory and purchases.
Step 2: Add the number of units for beginning inventory and purchases to find COGAS units and total cost.
Step 3: We are told that cost of goods sold is 20
Step 4: Multiply cost of goods sold units by cost per unit to find total cost.
Step 5: Subtract total cost of cost of goods sold from COGAS to find the total cost of ending inventory.
Date | Description | Cost |
---|---|---|
November 1 (first in) | Purchased 1 Unit | $60 |
November 5 | Purchased 1 Unit | $65 |
November 7 (last in) | Purchased 1 Unit | $85 |
November 10 | Sold 2 Units | $115 per unit |
We use the equation (total cost/total units) = Cost per unit.
Add the cost of each unit together to find total cost: $85 + $65 + $60 = $210
We have a total of 3 units.
Divide total cost by total units: 210/3 = $70 per unit
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