Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Calculator
Calculate COGS using the standard inventory formula: Beginning Inventory + Purchases - Ending Inventory.
Results
What is it?
COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) is the direct cost of producing the goods a company sold during a period. It includes raw materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead but excludes indirect costs like SG&A, R&D, and sales commissions. COGS is subtracted from revenue to calculate gross profit.
How to use
Enter the beginning inventory (cost), all purchases or production costs during the period, and the ending inventory (cost). COGS = Beginning Inventory + Purchases - Ending Inventory.
Example scenario
Beginning inventory $200k + purchases $800k - ending inventory $150k = COGS $850k. If revenue was $1.5M, gross profit = $650k (43% gross margin).
Pro tip
The inventory valuation method (FIFO, LIFO, weighted average) significantly affects COGS and therefore gross profit. In periods of rising prices, FIFO produces lower COGS and higher reported profit; LIFO produces higher COGS and lower taxes (allowed in the US, not under IFRS). Always check which method a company uses when comparing across firms.