What Are Cost Accounting Formulas? | Explanation With Examples

The following formulas are useful in cost accounting to determine different types of costs.

Prime cost = Direct materials consumed + Direct labor

Conversion cost = Direct materials + Factory overhead

Factory cost = Direct materials + Direct labor + Factory overhead

Cost of goods manufactured = Direct materials consumed + Direct labor + Factory overhead + Opening work-in-progress (WIP)- Closing WIP

Cost of goods sold = Direct materials consumed + Direct labor + Factory overhead + Opening WIP – Closing WIP + Opening finished goods – Closing finished goods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the formula for prime cost?

Prime cost = direct materials consumed + direct labor

What is the formula for conversion cost?

Conversion cost = direct materials + factory overhead

What is the formula for factory cost?

Factory cost = direct materials + direct labor + factory overhead

What is the formula for cost of goods manufactured?

Cost of goods manufactured = direct materials consumed + direct labor + factory overhead + opening work-in-progress (wip)- closing wip

What is the formula for cost of goods sold?

Cost of goods sold = direct materials consumed + direct labor + factory overhead + opening wip – closing wip + opening finished goods – closing finished goods

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®), 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.

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Cost Accounting Formulas