What is the difference between direct costs and indirect costs?

Direct costs are a cost that can be easily traced to a specific product or service while indirect costs cannot be easily traced.

What is an example of a direct cost in manufacturing?

A direct cost would be the material used to make a product.

What is an example of a indirect cost in manufacturing?

An example of a indirect cost would be the salary of a division manager.

Who will typically control the direct costs?

The division manager or department manager will typically have control over their direct costs.

Who will typically control the indirect costs?

The division manager or department manager will typically not have control over indirect costs.

Difference Between Direct Costs and Indirect Costs

Direct Costs: Definition

Direct costs are costs that can be conveniently and economically identified with some cost objectives, or which can be associated with specific segments under consideration.

Indirect Costs: Definition

Indirect costs are costs that cannot be conveniently and economically identified with cost objectives and must be allocated—on some equitable basis—to the cost objectives or segments under consideration.

Explanation and Examples

Every cost for a firm must be assigned to a cost objective, which may be a production department, a division of the firm, or a unit of production. The key difference underpinning these two terms—direct and indirect costs—is their traceability.

A manufacturing cost that is traceable to a specific product, activity, or department is known as a direct cost. Direct costs are fully traceable to a cost objective.
- For example, a department manager’s salary is easily traceable to their department, and so it is considered a direct cost for that department.
An indirect cost is a manufacturing cost that is not traceable to a specific product or cost objective, and which must be assigned using some allocation method.
- For example, overhead costs in manufacturing are not directly identifiable with any particular product or service. Therefore, they are considered indirect costs with respect to that product or service.