What is defined as a fixed cost?

A fixed cost is defined as a cost that remains constant regardless of the level of sales or production. This means that even if production levels increase or decrease, the total fixed cost remains unchanged over a certain period. For example, rent or salaries of permanent staff would be considered fixed costs because these expenses do not vary with production output—they must be paid regardless of how many goods or services are produced or sold.

Understanding fixed costs is crucial for managerial accounting as it helps businesses in budgeting and forecasting. Fixed costs contribute to the overall cost structure of a business and influence decisions regarding pricing, profit margin, and break-even analysis. By contrast, costs that fluctuate with production relate to variable costs and one-time expenses do not fall under the standard definition of fixed costs.