Direct Materials Total Cost Variance

Direct Materials Total Cost Variance§

Direct Materials Total Cost Variance is a metric used in cost accounting to measure the difference between the actual cost and the standard cost of direct materials used in production. This variance combines two important variances:

1. Direct Materials Price Variance
2. Direct Materials Usage Variance

Formula§

The formula for Direct Materials Total Cost Variance is:

$$\text{Direct Materials Total Cost Variance} = (\text{Actual Quantity} \times \text{Actual Price}) - (\text{Standard Quantity} \times \text{Standard Price})$$

Examples§

1. Example 1:

   • Actual Quantity: 500 units
   • Actual Price: $6 per unit
   • Standard Quantity: 450 units
   • Standard Price: $5 per unit

   Calculation: \[ \text{Direct Materials Total Cost Variance} = (500 \times 6) - (450 \times 5) = 3000 - 2250 = $750 \]

   Thus, the Direct Materials Total Cost Variance is $750 (unfavorable).

2. Example 2:

   • Actual Quantity: 400 units
   • Actual Price: $7 per unit
   • Standard Quantity: 450 units
   • Standard Price: $8 per unit

   Calculation: \[ \text{Direct Materials Total Cost Variance} = (400 \times 7) - (450 \times 8) = 2800 - 3600 = -$800 \]

   Thus, the Direct Materials Total Cost Variance is $800 (favorable).

Frequently Asked Questions§

Q: What is the difference between Direct Materials Price Variance and Direct Materials Total Cost Variance?

A: Direct Materials Price Variance measures the effect of changes in material costs on the total cost, while Direct Materials Total Cost Variance measures the combined effect of price and usage variances.

Q: Why do companies calculate Direct Materials Total Cost Variance?

A: It helps companies understand whether they are spending more or less than expected on direct materials, combining the effects of both price and usage differences to identify efficiency and costing issues.

Q: Can Direct Materials Total Cost Variance be both favorable and unfavorable?

A: Yes, if the actual costs are lower than standard costs, the variance is favorable. Conversely, if the actual costs are higher, the variance is unfavorable.

Related Terms§

• Direct Materials Price Variance: The difference between the actual cost paid for materials and the standard cost expected.

  $$\text{Direct Materials Price Variance} = (\text{Actual Price} - \text{Standard Price}) \times \text{Actual Quantity}$$

• Direct Materials Usage Variance: The difference between the actual quantity of materials used and the standard quantity allowed, valued at the standard price.

  $$\text{Direct Materials Usage Variance} = (\text{Actual Quantity} - \text{Standard Quantity}) \times \text{Standard Price}$$

Online References to Online Resources§

• Investopedia: Standard Costs
• Accounting Coach: Cost Variance
• Corporate Finance Institute (CFI): Direct Materials Variances

Suggested Books for Further Studies§

• Cost Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis by Charles T. Horngren, Srikant M. Datar, Madhav V. Rajan
• Management and Cost Accounting by Colin Drury
• Fundamentals of Cost Accounting by William N. Lanen, Shannon W. Anderson, Michael W. Maher

Accounting Basics: “Direct Materials Total Cost Variance” Fundamentals Quiz§

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