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What is Manufacturing Overhead?
Manufacturing overhead refers to all indirect costs involved in producing goods that cannot be directly traced to specific units of output. These costs support the manufacturing process but are not part of direct materials or direct labour.
Definition
Manufacturing overhead includes indirect materials, indirect labour, and other factory-related expenses required for production but not directly assignable to a specific product.
Key Takeaways
- Includes indirect production costs.
- Part of total manufacturing cost.
- Allocated to products using cost drivers.
Understanding Manufacturing Overhead
Manufacturing overhead is essential for calculating product cost and profitability. These costs support the production environment and include:
- Factory rent and utilities
- Depreciation of machinery
- Maintenance and repairs
- Indirect materials (lubricants, cleaning supplies)
- Indirect labour (supervisors, quality inspectors)
- Factory insurance and property taxes
Overhead must be allocated using methods like:
- Machine hours
- Labour hours
- Activity-based costing (ABC)
Accurate allocation helps ensure proper pricing, budgeting, and cost control.
Formula (If Applicable)
Common formula:
[ \text{Manufacturing Overhead Rate} = \frac{\text{Total Overhead Costs}}{\text{Activity Base}} ]
Total manufacturing cost:
[ \text{TMC} = \text{Direct Materials} + \text{Direct Labour} + \text{Manufacturing Overhead} ]
Real-World Example
A furniture factory includes costs such as electricity to run machines, salaries of supervisors, and depreciation of woodworking tools as part of manufacturing overhead.
Importance in Business or Economics
Manufacturing overhead directly influences:
- Product pricing
- Profit margins
- Operational budgeting
- Cost efficiency and control
Poor overhead management can distort product costs and lead to financial misstatements.
Types or Variations
- Fixed Overhead (rent, depreciation)
- Variable Overhead (electricity, indirect materials)
- Semi-variable Overhead
Related Terms
- Cost Accounting
- Activity-Based Costing
- Indirect Costs
Sources and Further Reading
- Investopedia – Manufacturing Overhead
- AccountingTools – Overhead Costs
- Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)
Quick Reference
- Indirect production costs.
- Allocated using cost drivers.
- Crucial for accurate product costing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is manufacturing overhead part of inventory costs?
Yes, overhead is included in the cost of goods manufactured.
Can overhead be reduced?
Yes, through efficiency improvements and automation.
Does overhead vary by industry?
Significantly, capital-intensive industries have higher overhead.
