Imputed Cost

Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on March 23, 2024

Definition

Imputed Cost—is the cost allocated for resources or use of a service that does not involve a cash outlay. They are hypothetical costs and are not recorded in the books of accounts.

There are those costs that do not involve cash outlay. These are not included in the cost accounts. But they are important and management gives greater importance to such costs.

Interest on capital is such a cost that does not find a place in cost computation but which is the most important consideration from every angle which is certainly helpful in judging the relative profitability of the projects.

These costs are also known as Hypothetical overheads.

Explanation

Imputed cost is used in a narrower context (as compared to the concept of opportunity cost) and generally relates to the interval events of the organization.

Examples of imputed costs include interest on owners equity, rent of building owned by the firm, etc.

However, in some cases, the concept of opportunity cost and imputed cost may be used interchangeably.

Imputed Cost FAQs

About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.