What is an appropriate cost driver?
Michael Gray
Updated on February 21, 2026
A cost driver is the most appropriate way of calculating or determining a specific cost. Variable cost drivers can come in the form of hourly costs, costs per unit, or batch costs, among others. Cost drivers can be fixed costs, such as in the case of set-up costs.
Why is choosing the correct cost driver?
Distribution of Overhead Costs A cost driver simplifies the allocation of manufacturing overhead. The correct allocation of manufacturing overhead is important to determine the true cost of a product. Internal management uses the cost of a product to determine the prices of the products they produce.
Which is the best definition of a cost driver?
A cost driver is a factor that creates or drives the cost of the activity. It is the root cause of why a particular cost occurred. Activities consume resources while customers, products, and channels of production consume activities.
How to identify cost drivers for your business?
Answers may vary but should be similar to the following: A. number of orders; B. number of customers; C. number of meals; D. number of material requisitions received. (Figure) Identify appropriate cost drivers for these cost pools: (Figure) Match the activity with the most appropriate cost driver.
Why are cost drivers important in the ABC costing system?
As a result, cost drivers are most relevant in the ABC costing system. The cost of each activity is apportioned to specific products or lines of production, based on resources consumed by cost drivers. A cost driver is a factor that creates or drives the cost of the activity. It is the root cause of why a particular cost occurred.
How does an accountant determine a cost driver?
To begin the determination of appropriate cost drivers, an accountant analyzes the activities in the product production process that contribute to the cost of that product.