Traditionally, overheads have been absorbed in the product cost based on a single basis of apportionment. For instance, in a labor-intensive environment, labor hours were used to absorb overheads. On the other hand, the machine hours were used to absorb overheads in a machine incentive environment. Predetermined overhead is an estimated rate used by the business to absorb overheads in the product cost, and it’s calculated by dividing overheads by the budgeted level of activity. Both figures are estimated and need to be estimated at the start of the project/period. A predetermined overhead rate is used by businesses to absorb the indirect cost in the cost card of the business.
Common examples of activity drivers are machine hours, direct materials, or direct labor hours. For the last three years, your team found that the total overhead rate has been between 1.7 and 1.8 times higher than the direct materials rate. As such, you and your peers have agreed to set the predetermined overhead rate at 175% of the direct materials rate. As the predetermined overhead rate is an estimate of what the company believes will be the cost for manufacturing the product, the actual costs could be different than what they estimated. The overhead rate has limitations when applying it to companies that have few overhead costs or when their costs are mostly tied to production. Also, it’s important to compare the overhead rate to companies within the same industry.
Predetermined Overhead Rate Calculator
A business can calculate its actual costs periodically and then compare that to the predetermined overhead rate in order to monitor expenses throughout the year or see how on-target their original estimate was. This comparison can be used to monitor or predict expenses for the next project (or fiscal year). Using the predetermined overhead rate formula and calculation provides businesses with a percentage they can monitor on a quarterly, monthly, or even weekly basis. Businesses monitor relative expenses by having an idea of the amount of base and expense that is being proportionate to each other. This can help to keep costs in check and to know when to cut back on spending in order to stay on budget.
Bearing that this formula will be based entirely on estimates, it must understand that it is not an exact formula. Therefore, on many occasions, we will combine it with other types of calculation and accounting tools or systems. Two companies, ABC company, and XYZ company predetermined overhead rate formula are competing to get a massive order that will make them much recognized in the market. This project is going to be lucrative for both companies but after going over the terms and conditions of the bidding, it is stated that the bid would be based on the overhead rate.