

In general, the variable cost is considered as product cost because they change with the change in the activity level.On the other hand, time is taken as a basis for period cost because as per the matching principle the expenses should match the revenue and therefore, the costs are ascertained and charged in the accounting period in which they are incurred. Product Cost is based on volume because they remain same in the unit price, but differ in the total value.Period Cost is the cost which relates to a particular accounting period. Product Cost is the cost which can be directly assigned to the product.The following are the major differences between product cost and period cost: Key Differences Between Product Cost and Period Cost By virtue of this concept, period costs are also recorded and reported as actual expenses for the financial year.Īll the non-manufacturing costs like office and general expenses are considered as Period Cost like interest, salary, rent, advertisement, commission to the salesman, depreciation of office assets, audit fees, etc. So, if the revenues are recognised for an accounting period, then the expenses are also taken into consideration irrespective of the actual movement of cash. These costs occur during a financial year, but they are not considered at the time of valuing the inventory because they are not associated with the purchase and sale of goods.Īccording to the Matching Principle, all expenses are matched with the revenue of a particular period. These costs are charged against the sales revenue for the accounting period in which they take place.

The cost which cannot be allocated to the product, but belongs to a particular period is known as Period Cost. An example of such cost is the cost of material, labour, and overheads employed in manufacturing a table. On the other hand, in Marginal Costing only the variable cost is regarded as product cost. Under different costing system, product cost is also different, as in absorption costing both fixed cost and variable cost are considered as Product Cost. It should be calculated for the purpose of product pricing.

