
Inventory Valuation Process In Accounting: Importance, Methods, & Examples
The inventory valuation process in accounting finds the inventory value of any unsold stocks. This process can have a significant impact on preparing the financial statements. In most of the cases, inventory stock is basically an asset for your organization. It needs to have financial value to maintain a record in the Balance sheet.
All the financial value that you will receive from the calculation of inventory valuation it can help you to determine the inventory turnover ratio. This will also help you in planning your purchasing decision.
Stock waste and stock sold calculation falls under the purview of inventory valuation. You must go through the process to make a clear idea about it.
Table of Contents
- What Is Inventory Valuation?
- Importance Of Inventory Valuation Process.
- What Are The Different Inventory Valuation Methods?
- What Is The Value Of Inventory?
- How Is Inventory Value Determined?
- How To Calculate Inventory Value?
- What Is As 2 Inventory Valuation?
- Scope Of AS 2 Inventory Valuation.
- Key Principles.
- What Is The FIFO Method Of Inventory Valuation?
- Inventory Valuation FIFO.
- Weighted Average Method For Inventory Valuation Calculation.
- Final Take Away.
What Is Inventory Valuation?
The inventory valuation process in accounting helps in determining the monetary value of a company’s inventory at a specific point in time. It involves assigning a cost to the goods a business has in stock, which includes raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products ready for sale. This valuation is crucial for financial reporting, as it directly impacts a company’s balance sheet, cost of goods sold (COGS), and overall profitability.
Importance Of Inventory Valuation Process.
There are several importance of the inventory valuation process that you must be well aware off. Some of the key essential importance of inventory valuation that you should know are as follows:-
1. Accurate Financial Reporting
Inventory is a major asset on the balance sheet for many companies. Properly valuing it ensures the balance sheet reflects the true worth of the business. It also affects the income statement through the cost of goods sold (COGS), which impacts gross profit and net income. Misvaluing inventory can distort a company’s financial health, misleading investors, creditors, or management.
2. Profitability Insights
By determining the cost of inventory sold, businesses can accurately calculate profit margins. For example, using FIFO versus LIFO in a period of rising prices can show different profit levels, helping management understand how costs affect earnings and adjust strategies accordingly. The inventory valuation process in accounting can offer you valuable information about the current situation in the market.
3. Tax Implications
Inventory valuation affects taxable income. A lower valuation (like LIFO in inflationary times) reduces COGS, increasing profits and taxes, while a higher COGS lowers taxable income. Choosing the right method can optimize tax obligations, but it must align with local regulations (e.g., LIFO isn’t allowed under IFRS). Inventory valuation process in accounting can make things easier for you.
4. Cash Flow Manangement
Knowing the value of inventory helps businesses manage cash flow. Overvaluing inventory ties up capital on paper, while undervaluing it might signal a need to reorder stock prematurely. Accurate valuation ensures better planning for purchases, sales, and liquidity.
5. Decision Making
Inventory valuation provides insights into stock levels, turnover rates, and product profitability. For instance, if certain items have high carrying costs or low margins, management can decide to discount them or phase them out, optimizing operations.
6. Compliance & Audits
Regulatory bodies (like the IRS or SEC in the U.S.) and accounting standards (GAAP or IFRS) require consistent and accurate inventory valuation. Proper documentation and valuation processes ensure a business passes audits and avoids penalties.
7. Risk Management
It helps identify issues like obsolescence, spoilage, or theft. If inventory value drops due to damaged goods or market changes, businesses can adjust their strategies—write off losses, reorder, or diversify—before problems escalate.
Learn Industrial Accounting Like a ProGet Trained by Top Industry Experts |
|
Classroom Course | Online Course |
More Learning Options for you: Accounting + SAP FICO | Business Accounting and Taxation (BAT Course) |
What Are The Different Inventory Valuation Methods?
There are several inventory valuation methods in accounting that businesses use to assign a monetary value to their stock. Each inventory valuation process has its own approach to calculating the cost of goods sold (COGS) and the value of remaining inventory. The choice of method often depends on the type of business, industry-specific practices, and accounting standards. Here are the main ones:
1. First In First Out (FIFO)
-
- How it works: Assumes the earliest goods purchased (first in) are sold first (first out). COGS is based on the cost of the oldest inventory, while the ending inventory is valued at the cost of the most recent purchases.
- When it’s used: Common in industries with perishable goods (like food) or where prices tend to rise over time.
- Impact: In inflationary periods, FIFO shows lower COGS, higher profits, and a higher inventory value on the balance sheet.
Example:-
Scenario
A small electronics store sells portable speakers. Over the month of March 2025, the store makes the following purchases:
- March 1: 10 speakers at Rs20 each = Rs 200 total
- March 10: 15 speakers at Rs 22 each = Rs 330 total
- March 20: 5 speakers at Rs 25 each = Rs 125 total
Total purchased: 30 speakers
Total cost: Rs 200 + Rs 330 + Rs 125 = Rs655
By the end of March, the store sells 18 speakers, leaving 12 in inventory. Let’s calculate the COGS and the value of the ending inventory using FIFO.
Step 1: Calculate The Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
Under FIFO, the first 18 speakers sold come from the earliest purchases:
- From March 1 batch: 10 speakers at Rs20 each = Rs 200 (all 10 used, 0 left)
- From March 10 batch: 8 speakers at Rs 22 each = Rs 176 (15 available, 8 used, 7 left)
- (The March 20 batch isn’t touched yet since we only need 18 total.)
COGS = Rs 200 + Rs 176 = Rs 376
Step 2: Calculate Ending Inventory
The remaining 12 speakers in stock come from later purchases:
- From March 10 batch: 7 speakers left at Rs 22 each = Rs 154 (15 total – 8 sold = 7)
- From March 20 batch: 5 speakers at Rs 25 each = Rs 125 (all 5 remain)
Ending Inventory = Rs 154 + Rs 125 = Rs 279
Verification
- Total units: 30 purchased – 18 sold = 12 remaining (matches)
- Total cost check: COGS (Rs 376) + Ending Inventory (Rs 279) = Rs 655 (matches the total cost of purchases)
Summary
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Rs 376
- Ending Inventory Value: Rs 279
Real-World Context
If the store sold each speaker for Rs 40, the revenue would be 18 × Rs 40 = Rs 720. Gross profit would then be Rs 720 – Rs 376 = Rs 344. Notice how FIFO uses the older, lower costs (Rs 20 and Rs 22) for COGS, leaving the higher recent cost (Rs 25) in inventory. In a rising price environment, this often results in higher reported profits compared to methods like LIFO.
This example shows how FIFO tracks the flow of costs in a straightforward way, making it intuitive for businesses where stock rotation mirrors “first in, first out” (like perishables or time-sensitive goods).
2. Last In First Out( LIFO)
-
- How it works: Assumes the most recently purchased goods (last in) are sold first (first out). COGS reflects the cost of the newest inventory, and the remaining inventory is valued at older costs.
- When it’s used: Useful in industries with stable or rising costs, often for tax advantages in places like the U.S. (where it’s allowed under GAAP but not IFRS).
- Impact: During inflation, LIFO results in higher COGS, lower profits, and lower taxable income, with older (often lower) costs left on the balance sheet.
- Example:-
Scenario
Imagine the same electronics store selling portable speakers, with the following purchases in March 2025:
- March 1: 10 speakers at Rs20 each = Rs 200 total
- March 10: 15 speakers at Rs 22 each = Rs 330 total
- March 20: 5 speakers at Rs25 each = Rs 125 total
Total purchased: 30 speakers
Total cost: Rs 200 + Rs 330 + Rs 125 = Rs 655
By the end of March, the store sells 18 speakers, leaving 12 in inventory. Now, let’s calculate the COGS and ending inventory using LIFO.
Step 1: Calculate Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
Under LIFO, the last 18 speakers sold come from the most recent purchases, working backward:
- From March 20 batch: 5 speakers at Rs 25 each = Rs 125 (all 5 used, 0 left)
- From March 10 batch: 13 speakers at Rs 22 each = Rs 286 (15 available, 13 used, 2 left)
- (The March 1 batch isn’t touched yet since we only need 18 total.)
COGS = Rs 125 + Rs 286 = Rs 411
Step 2: Calculate Ending Inventory
The remaining 12 speakers in stock come from the earlier purchases:
- From March 10 batch: 2 speakers left at Rs 22 each = Rs 44 (15 total – 13 sold = 2)
- From March 1 batch: 10 speakers at Rs 20 each = Rs 200 (all 10 remain)
Ending Inventory = Rs 44 + Rs 200 = Rs244
Verification
- Total units: 30 purchased – 18 sold = 12 remaining (matches)
- Total cost check: COGS (Rs 411) + Ending Inventory (Rs 244) = Rs 655 (matches the total cost of purchases)
Summary
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Rs 411
- Ending Inventory Value: Rs 244
Real-World Context
If the store sold each speaker for Rs 40, the revenue would be 18 × Rs 40 = Rs 720. Gross profit would then be Rs 720 – Rs 411 = Rs 309. Compare this to the FIFO example (gross profit Rs 344): LIFO uses the newer, higher costs (Rs25 and Rs 22) for COGS, leaving the older, lower cost ($20) in inventory. In a rising price environment, LIFO typically shows lower profits and a lower inventory value on the balance sheet, which can reduce taxable income—a reason some U.S. businesses prefer it under GAAP (though it’s not allowed under IFRS).
Few Accounting related topics for your knowledge
- Trial Balance In Tally Prime: A Complete Step by Step Process
- Cash Book In Accounting: Definition, Features, Format, Process, Faqs
- Chart Of Accounts In Tally Prime: A Definitive Guide For Beginners
- Mastering Balance Sheet Statement: From Assets to Equity
- Top 20 Journal Entries Questions And Answers For Interview
- What Is Direct Tax? A Comprehensive Guide To Direct Tax
3. Weighted Average Cost
-
- How it works: Calculates an average cost by dividing the total cost of goods available for sale by the total number of units. This average cost is then applied to both COGS and ending inventory.
- When it’s used: Ideal for businesses with large volumes of similar items (like retail or manufacturing) where tracking individual costs is impractical.
- Impact: Smooth out price fluctuations, providing a middle-ground valuation that’s less affected by the timing of purchases.
- Example:-
Scenario
We’ll use the same electronics store selling portable speakers, with these purchases in March 2025:
- March 1: 10 speakers at Rs20 each = Rs 200 total
- March 10: 15 speakers at Rs 22 each = Rs 330 total
- March 20: 5 speakers at Rs25 each = Rs 125 total
Total purchased: 30 speakers
Total cost: Rs 200 + Rs 330 + Rs 125 = Rs 655
By the end of March, the store sells 18 speakers, leaving 12 in inventory. Let’s calculate the COGS and ending inventory using WAC.
Step 1: Calculate the Weighted Average Cost per Unit
To find the average cost, divide the total cost of goods available for sale by the total number of units:
- Total cost: Rs 655
- Total units: 30 speakers
Weighted Average Cost per Unit = Rs655 ÷ 30 = Rs 21.8333
(For simplicity, we’ll keep it at Rs 21.83, rounded to two decimal places, though some businesses might use more precision.)
Step 2: Calculate The Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
Apply the average cost to the number of units sold:
- Units sold: 18 speakers
- Average cost per unit: Rs 21.83
COGS = 18 × Rs 21.83 = Rs 392.94
Step 3: Calculate Ending Inventory
Apply the same average cost to the remaining units:
- Units remaining: 12 speakers
- Average cost per unit: Rs 21.83
Ending Inventory = 12 × Rs 21.83 = Rs 261.96
Verification
- Total units: 30 purchased – 18 sold = 12 remaining (matches)
- Total cost check: COGS (Rs392.94) + Ending Inventory (Rs 261.96) = Rs 654.90
(This is off by $0.10 from Rs 655 due to rounding Rs 21.8333 to =Rs 21.83. In practice, using exact figures or adjusting for rounding ensures precision.)
Summary
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Rs 392.94
- Ending Inventory Value: Rs 261.96
Real-World Context
If the store sold each speaker for Rs 40, the revenue would be 18 × Rs 40 = Rs 720. Gross profit would then be Rs 720 – Rs 392.94 = Rs 327.06. Compared to FIFO (Rs 344 profit) and LIFO (Rs 309 profit) from the same scenario, WAC lands in the middle. It doesn’t swing as high or low because it averages out the costs (Rs 20, Rs 22, Rs 25) into a steady Rs 21.83 per unit. This makes it great for businesses with consistent inventory flows—like retail or bulk goods—where tracking individual purchase costs isn’t practical.
WAC simplifies the process by avoiding the need to track which batch was sold first or last. It’s especially handy when prices fluctuate but you want stable, predictable financials.
4. Specific Identification
-
- How it works: Tracks the actual cost of each specific item in inventory from purchase to sale. Every unit sold or left in stock is valued at its original cost.
- When it’s used: Best for high-value, unique, or low-volume items (e.g., cars, jewelry, real estate, or custom products).
- Impact: Highly accurate but time-consuming and impractical for businesses with large, homogeneous inventories.
- Example:-
Scenario
A luxury watch retailer sells distinct, high-end watches, each with a unique serial number. In March 2025, the store purchases the following watches:
- March 5: Watch A (Serial #001) at Rs1,000
- March 12: Watch B (Serial #002) at Rs 1,200
- March 18: Watch C (Serial #003) at Rs 1,500
- March 25: Watch D (Serial #004) at Rs 1,300
Total purchased: 4 watches
Total cost: Rs 1,000 + Rs 1,200 + Rs 1,500 + Rs 1,300 = Rs5,000
By the end of March, the store sells 2 watches:
- Watch B (Serial #002) for Rs 2,000
- Watch D (Serial #004) for Rs 2,100
This leaves 2 watches in inventory. Let’s calculate the cost of goods sold (COGS) thus ending inventory using Specific Identification.
Step 1: Calculate Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
With Specific Identification, we use the exact purchase cost of the watches that were sold:
- Watch B (Serial #002): Purchased for Rs 1,200
- Watch D (Serial #004): Purchased for Rs 1,300
COGS = Rs 1,200 + Rs 1,300 = Rs 2,500
Step 2: Calculate Ending Inventory
The remaining watches in stock are valued at their original purchase costs:
- Watch A (Serial #001): Purchased for Rs 1,000
- Watch C (Serial #003): Purchased for Rs 1,500
Ending Inventory = Rs 1,000 + Rs 1,500 = Rs 2,500
Verification
- Total units: 4 purchased – 2 sold = 2 remaining (matches)
- Total cost check: COGS (Rs 2,500) + Ending Inventory (Rs 2,500) = Rs 5,000 (matches the total cost of purchases)
Summary
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Rs 2,500
- Ending Inventory Value: Rs 2,500
Real-World Context
The store’s revenue from the sales is Rs 2,000 (Watch B) + Rs 2,100 (Watch D) = Rs 4,100. Gross profit would be Rs 4,100 – Rs 2,500 = Rs1,600. Each sale’s profit is tied directly to its specific cost:
- Watch B: Rs 2,000 – Rs 1,200 = Rs 800 profit
- Watch D: Rs 2,100 – Rs 1,300 = Rs 800 profit
This method shines for businesses like jewelers, car dealerships, or art galleries, where items differ significantly in cost and value, and tracking each unit’s journey is feasible (often via serial numbers, barcodes, or tags). It’s precise—COGS reflects the actual cost of what was sold, not an assumption—but it’s labor-intensive and impractical for high-volume, low-cost goods like groceries.
5. Retail Inventory Method
-
- How it works: Estimates inventory value based on the retail price of goods, adjusted by a cost-to-retail ratio (markup percentage). It’s a shortcut that avoids physically counting every item.
- When it’s used: Common in retail where goods have consistent markups and frequent sales make physical counts challenging.
- Impact: Simplifies valuation but relies on accurate markup data and may not reflect true costs during discounts or markdowns.
- Example:-
Scenario
A clothing store tracks its inventory for March 2025. Here’s the data:
- Beginning Inventory (at cost): Rs 10,000
- Beginning Inventory (at retail): Rs 15,000
- Purchases during March (at cost): Rs 20,000
- Purchases during March (at retail): Rs 30,000
- Sales during March (at retail): Rs 35,000
The store uses the Retail Inventory Method to estimate the ending inventory value at cost. To do this, we’ll calculate the cost-to-retail ratio and apply it to the estimated ending inventory at retail.
Step 1: Calculate Goods Available for Sale
First, determine the total goods available for sale at both cost and retail:
- At Cost:
Beginning Inventory + Purchases = Rs 10,000 + Rs 20,000 = Rs 30,000 - At Retail:
Beginning Inventory + Purchases = Rs 15,000 + Rs 30,000 = Rs 45,000
So, goods available for sale are Rs 30,000 at cost and Rs 45,000 at retail.
Step 2: Calculate the Cost-to-Retail Ratio
The cost-to-retail ratio shows the relationship between the cost and retail value of goods available for sale:
Cost-to-Retail Ratio = Total Cost ÷ Total Retail = Rs 30,000 ÷ Rs 45,000 = 0.6667 (or 66.67%)
This means the cost is, on average, 66.67% of the retail price.
Step 3: Calculate Ending Inventory at Retail
Subtract the sales (at retail) from the goods available for sale (at retail) to find the ending inventory at retail:
- Goods Available for Sale (at retail): Rs 45,000
- Sales (at retail): Rs 35,000
Ending Inventory (at retail) = Rs 45,000 – Rs 35,000 = Rs 10,000
Step 4: Convert Ending Inventory to Cost
Apply the cost-to-retail ratio to the ending inventory at retail to estimate its value at cost:
Ending Inventory (at cost) = Ending Inventory (at retail) × Cost-to-Retail Ratio
= Rs 10,000 × 0.6667 = Rs 6,667
(Rounded to the nearest dollar for simplicity.)
Step 5: Calculate Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
To complete the picture, calculate COGS by subtracting the ending inventory (at cost) from the goods available for sale (at cost):
- Goods Available for Sale (at cost): Rs 30,000
- Ending Inventory (at cost): Rs 6,667
COGS = Rs 30,000 – Rs 6,667 = Rs 23,333
Verification
- Total cost check: COGS (Rs 23,333) + Ending Inventory (Rs 6,667) = Rs 30,000 (matches goods available for sale at cost)
- Retail check: Sales (Rs 35,000) + Ending Inventory (Rs 10,000) = Rs 45,000 (matches goods available for sale at retail)
Summary
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Rs 23,333
- Ending Inventory Value (at cost): Rs 6,667
- Ending Inventory Value (at retail): Rs 10,000
Real-World Context
The store’s revenue is the sales figure: Rs35,000. Gross profit would be Rs 35,000 – Rs 23,333 = Rs 11,667. The Retail Inventory Method assumes a consistent markup (here, about 50% on average, since Rs 30,000 cost translates to Rs 45,000 retail). It’s a quick estimate, ideal for retailers like department stores or fashion outlets with lots of SKUs.
6. Lower Of Cost Or Market
-
- How it works: Compares the original cost of inventory to its current market value (replacement cost or net realizable value) and uses the lower of the two. Not a standalone method but often applied with FIFO, LIFO, or WAC.
- When it’s used: Required under GAAP to account for obsolescence, damage, or declines in market value.
- Impact: Ensures inventory isn’t overstated, reflecting a conservative approach to financial reporting.
- Example:
Let’s say you run a small electronics store, and you’re valuing a batch of 100 headphones in your inventory.
- Cost: You bought the headphones for $20 each, so the total cost is $20 × 100 = $2,000.
- Market Value Data:
- Current Replacement Cost: Due to a market drop, you could now buy these headphones for Rs 18 each.
- Net Realizable Value (NRV): You expect to sell them for Rs 25 each, and selling costs are Rs 2 per unit, so NRV = Rs 25 – Rs 2 = Rs 23.
- NRV minus Normal Profit Margin: Your normal profit margin is $5 per unit, so NRV – Profit Margin = Rs23 – Rs 5 = Rs 18.
- The “market value” is the replacement cost (Rs 18), but it must be between the NRV ceiling (Rs 23) and the NRV minus profit floor (Rs 18). Here, Rs 18 fits perfectly within those bounds, so market value = Rs 18.
- LCM Comparison:
Cost per unit = Rs 20 - Market value per unit = Rs 18
- Lower of the two = Rs 18
- Inventory Valuation:
Total inventory value = Rs 18 × 100 = Rs 1,800.
Adjusting the Books
If your inventory was previously recorded at the cost of Rs 2,000, you’d need to write it down by Rs 2,000 – Rs 1,800 = Rs 200. This Rs 200 loss would typically hit your income statement as a “loss on inventory write-down.”
What Is The Value Of Inventory?
Inventory value refers to the monetary worth assigned to a company’s inventory on its balance sheet at a specific point in time. It represents the total value of goods a business has in stock, ready for sale or use in production. How that value is calculated depends on accounting methods, and it’s a key figure for understanding a company’s financial health, cost of goods sold (COGS), and profitability.
How Is Inventory Value Determined?
The inventory value isn’t just what you paid for the goods—it’s adjusted based on specific rules. Common methods include:
1. Cost:
The original amount paid to acquire or produce the inventory (e.g., purchase price, shipping, manufacturing costs).
2. Lower Of Cost or Market (LCM):
As I explained earlier, this compares the original cost to the current market value and uses the lower amount to avoid overstating inventory.
3. Net Realizable Value (NRV):
For damaged or obsolete inventory, it’s valued at what you expect to sell it for, minus selling costs.
4. Inventory Valuation Methods:
Specific approaches like FIFO (First-In, First-Out), LIFO (Last-In, First-Out), or Weighted Average Cost can affect the cost assigned to inventory, especially when prices fluctuate. The inventory valuation process in accounting plays a crucial role in determining the fate of inventory.
How To Calculate Inventory Value?
Calculating inventory value is straightforward once you know the method you’re using and have the right data. I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, focusing on the Lower of Cost or Market (LCM) approach since that’s tied to your earlier question. I’ll also keep it practical with an example, and you can adapt it to any situation.
Steps to Calculate Inventory Value (Using LCM)
- Determine the Historical Cost:
This is what you paid to acquire or produce the inventory (e.g., purchase price, freight, production costs).
- Determine the Market Value:
- Find the current replacement cost (what it’d cost to buy the same inventory now).
- Check the Net Realizable Value (NRV): Expected selling price minus any selling costs.
- Check NRV minus normal profit margin: A floor to ensure you don’t undervalue too much.
- Market value = replacement cost, but it’s capped at NRV (ceiling) and floored by NRV minus profit.
- Apply Lower of Cost or Market:
- Compare cost and market value for each item or category.
- Use the lower of the two for each.
- Multiply by Quantity:
- Take the LCM value per unit and multiply by the number of units in stock.
- Sum It Up:
- Add up the values if you’re valuing multiple types of inventory.
What Is As 2 Inventory Valuation?
Valuation of Inventories, an Indian Accounting Standard issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It provides guidelines on how businesses in India should measure and report the value of their inventories in financial statements.
AS 2 is aligned with the principles of conservatism and historical cost, ensuring inventory is valued consistently and transparently for financial reporting under Indian GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
Scope Of AS 2 Inventory Valuation.
AS 2 applies to all inventories except:
- Work-in-progress under construction contracts (covered by AS 7)
- Financial instruments (covered by AS 13 or Ind AS equivalents)
- Inventories of livestock, agricultural produce, and minerals (where fair value measurement might apply under other standards)
It covers raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods, and goods held for sale in the ordinary course of business.
Key Principles
1. Valuation Basis:
Inventories must be valued at the lower of cost or the net realizable value (NRV). This ensures that inventory isn’t overstated if its selling price drops below cost.
2. Cost of Inventories:
The cost includes:
- Cost of Purchase: Purchase price, duties/taxes (non-recoverable), and other costs to bring the goodsenseign to their present location and condition (e.g., freight).
- Cost of Conversion: Direct labor, variable production overheads, and fixed overheads (allocated based on normal capacity).
- Other Costs: Costs incurred to bring inventory to its current state (e.g., design costs for specific products).
Exclusions: Selling costs, abnormal waste, and administrative overheads not related to production.
3.Net Realizable Value (NRV):
NRV is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, minus estimated costs of completion and costs to make the sale (e.g., marketing or transport). If NRV is lower than cost (due to damage, obsolescence, or market decline), inventory is written down to NRV.
What Is The FIFO Method Of Inventory Valuation?
The FIFO (First-In, First-Out) process of inventory valuation assumes that the earliest goods purchased (first in) are the first ones sold (first out). This means that the cost of goods sold (COGS) is based on the oldest inventory costs, while the ending inventory is valued at the most recent purchase costs. FIFO is widely used because it aligns with the natural flow of inventory in many businesses and provides a realistic valuation in times of rising prices.
Inventory Valuation FIFO.
To explain the valuation of FIFO you need to go through some of the examples to get your concept clear regarding this matter. So, let’s explore the concepts in a deeper level to have a clear idea into it.
Example: FIFO Inventory Valuation
A small retailer sells t-shirts and has the following inventory purchases in April 2025:
Date | Transactions | Units | Cost Per Unit | Total Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 2 | Beginning Inventory | 50 | Rs 20 | Rs 1000 |
April 10 | Purchase | 70 | Rs 22 | Rs 1540 |
April 20 | Purchase | 80 | Rs 25 | Rs 2000 |
Total | 120 | Total | Rs 4540 |
During April, the retailer sells 120 t-shirts. Using FIFO, we assume the earliest units purchased are sold first.
Step 1: Calculate Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
Sell the 120 units in the order they were acquired:
- From April 2 (Beginning Inventory): 50 units × Rs 20 = $1,000
- Remaining units needed: 120 – 50 = 70 units
- From April 10 (First Purchase): 70 units × Rs 22 = Rs 1,540
Total COGS = Rs 1,000 + Rs 1,540 = Rs 2,540
Step 2: Calculate Ending Inventory
Total units available = 200
Units sold = 120
Ending inventory = 200 – 120 = 80 units
The ending inventory consists of the most recent units:
- From April 20 (Second Purchase): 80 units × Rs25 = Rs2,000
Step 3: Verify
- Total cost of goods available = Rs 4,540
- COGS (Rs 2,540) + Ending Inventory (Rs2,000) = Rs 4,540 (balances correctly)
Results:
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Rs 2,540
- Ending Inventory: Rs 2,000
Weighted Average Method For Inventory Valuation Calculation
The Weighted Average Method is a common approach for inventory valuation, often used in accounting to determine the cost of goods sold (COGS) and the value of ending inventory. It calculates an average cost per unit based on the total cost of goods available for sale divided by the total number of units available. This average cost is then applied to both the units sold and the units remaining in inventory. Inventory process valuation in accounting plays a vital role.
Steps to Calculate Using the Weighted Average Method
- Determine the Total Cost of Goods Available for Sale: Add up the cost of the beginning inventory and any additional purchases made during the period.
- Determine the Total Units there for Sale: Add the number of units in the beginning inventory to the number of units purchased during the period.
- Calculate the Weighted Average Cost per Unit: Divide the total cost of goods available for sale by the total units there for sale.
- Apply the Weighted Average Cost:
- Multiply the average cost per unit with the total number of units sold to find the COGS.
- Multiply the average cost per unit by the number of units remaining to find the ending inventory value.
Example Of Weighted Average Method For Inventory Valuation
Scenario: Inventory Valuation
A small business sells a product and uses the weighted average method to calculate the cost of goods sold and ending inventory. Over the month, they purchase the product at different prices:
- Purchase 1: 100 units at Rs10 each
- Purchase 2: 150 units at Rs 12 each
- Purchase 3: 50 units at Rs 15 each
They sell 200 units during the month and want to determine the cost of goods sold (COGS) and the value of the remaining inventory.
Step 1: Calculate Total Units and Total Cost
- Total units purchased = 100 + 150 + 50 = 300 units
- Total cost of purchases:
- 100 units × Rs 10 = $1,000
- 150 units × Rs12 = $1,800
- 50 units × Rs 15 = $750
- Total cost = Rs1,000 + Rs 1,800 + Rs 750 = Rs3,550
Step 2: Compute Weighted Average Cost per Unit
- Weighted average cost per unit = Total cost ÷ Total units
- Weighted average cost per unit = Rs 3,550 ÷ 300 = Rs 11.83 (rounded)
Step 3: Apply the Weighted Average to COGS and Ending Inventory
- Units sold = 200
- Units remaining = 300 – 200 = 100
- Cost of goods sold (COGS) = 200 units × Rs 11.83 = Rs 2,366
- Ending inventory = 100 units × Rs 11.83 = Rs 1,183
Result
- COGS: $2,366
- Ending Inventory Value: $1,183
- Total (COGS + Ending Inventory) = Rs 2,366 + Rs 1,183 = Rs 3,549 (matches total cost, with minor rounding difference)
Final Take Away.
Hence, these are some of the core factors of the inventory valuation process in accounting that you must be well aware of. These are some of the key factors of Inventory valuation process in accounting that you should be well aware off.
You can share your views and opinions in our comment box. This will help us to know your take on this matter. Once you follow the correct process things can become easier for you in the long run.
- 40+ Important Interview Trial Balance Questions & Answers - May 9, 2025
- Accounts Receivable Process In SAP:A Step-by-Step Process - May 2, 2025
- Top 50 GST Interview Questions & Answers - April 25, 2025