What are fixed costs?

Fixed costs are expenses that do not change regardless of the level of production or sales within a certain range of output. These costs remain constant over a specific period and are incurred even if the business is not producing or selling any products or services. Common examples include rent, salaries, insurance, and depreciation. This characteristic of being independent of production volume distinguishes fixed costs from variable costs, which fluctuate with activity levels.

Understanding fixed costs is crucial for businesses as they contribute to overall financial planning, budgeting, and pricing strategies. By knowing which costs are fixed, businesses can better manage their expenses and predict profitability based on various production scenarios. In contrast, the other options pertain to concepts that define variable costs or other financial metrics, which do not accurately capture the essence of fixed costs.