Worked example 1
A bakery produces a batch (Batch 47) of 600 specialty cakes. The costs incurred were: direct materials $2,400; direct labour 120 hours at a rate of $15 per hour. Production overheads are absorbed at a rate of $8 per direct labour hour. Calculate the total cost of the batch and the cost per cake.
Show solution outline
1. Calculate Direct Labour Cost: Direct Labour = 120 hours × $15/hour = $1,800
2. Calculate Absorbed Production Overheads: Overheads = 120 hours × $8/hour = $960
3. Calculate Total Batch Cost: Total Cost = Direct Materials + Direct Labour + Overheads Total Cost = 1,800 + 5,160**
4. Calculate Cost Per Unit (Cake): Cost per Unit = Total Batch Cost / Number of Units Cost per Unit = $5,160 / 600 cakes = $8.60 per cake
If the bakery wanted to achieve a 25% mark-up on cost, the selling price would be 10.75 per cake.