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What Is a Variable Cost? A variable cost is an expense that changes depending on how much you use, produce, or consume. Unlike a fixed cost, which stays relatively constant, a variable cost rises and falls with your activity. In simple terms: Variable Cost = An expense that increases or decreases based on usage or production. For a business, raw materials and shipping expenses are common variable costs.

What Is a Fixed Cost? A fixed cost is an expense that remains the same regardless of how much you produce, sell, or use. Whether business is booming or slow, a fixed cost generally stays constant month after month. Think of it this way: a fixed cost is a bill that doesn't care how busy you are. For example, if a business pays $2,000 per month in rent, that rent payment remains $2,000 whether the company serves 10 customers or 1,000 customers during the month.