Launch offer — 25% off with code LAUNCH-25 See plans →
Microlesson · 5-min read

Introduction and Format of the Cost Sheet

# Cost Sheet: Introduction & Format

## What is a Cost Sheet?

A Cost Sheet (or Cost Statement) is a document which provides detailed cost information. Cost information is usually presented on the basis of functional classification, though other classifications may be adopted to suit users' needs.

## The Four Cost Heads

Costs grouped by function flow through four cumulative cost heads:

```

Prime Cost → Cost of Production → Cost of Goods Sold → Cost of Sales

```

## Standard Cost Sheet Format

#ParticularsWorking
01Opening Stock of Raw MaterialsXXX
02Add: Purchase of Raw MaterialXXX
03Less: Closing Stock of Raw Material(XXX)
04Direct Material Consumed(1 + 2 − 3)
05Direct LabourXXX
06Direct ExpensesXXX
07PRIME COST(4 + 5 + 6)
08Add: Production OverheadsXXX
09Gross Works Cost(7 + 8)
10Add: Opening Work in ProgressXXX
11Less: Closing Work in Progress(XXX)
12Factory Cost(9 + 10 − 11)
13Add: Quality Control CostXXX
14Add: Research & DevelopmentXXX
15Add: Administrative OH (Related to Production)XXX
16Add: Primary Packing CostXXX
17Less: Credit for Recovery / Scrap Income(XXX)
18COST OF PRODUCTION (COP)(12+13+14+15+16−17)
19Add: Opening Finished GoodsXXX
20Less: Closing Finished Goods(XXX)
21COST OF GOODS SOLD (COGS)(18 + 19 − 20)
22Add: Administrative OH (General)XXX
23Add: Selling OverheadsXXX
24COST OF SALES (COS)(21 + 22 + 23)
25Add: ProfitXXX
26SalesXXX

## Key Relationships to Memorise

  • Prime Cost = Direct Material + Direct Labour + Direct Expenses
  • Factory/Works Cost = Gross Works Cost ± WIP adjustment
  • Cost of Sales + Profit = Sales
  • Conversion Cost = Direct Labour + Direct Expenses + Production Overheads

> Note the two different Administrative Overheads: those related to production are added before COP (row 15); general admin OH is added after COGS (row 22).

Worked example

### Example 1

Building up to Prime Cost: Opening RM ₹50,000; Purchases ₹3,00,000; Closing RM ₹40,000 → Direct Material Consumed = 50,000 + 3,00,000 − 40,000 = ₹3,10,000. Add Direct Labour ₹1,20,000 and Direct Expenses ₹20,000 → Prime Cost = ₹4,50,000.

### Example 2

Conversion Cost: Direct Labour ₹1,20,000 + Direct Expenses ₹20,000 + Production Overheads ₹90,000 = Conversion Cost ₹2,30,000.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Adding general administrative overheads before Cost of Production — only production-related admin OH goes before COP; general admin OH goes after COGS.
  • Forgetting the WIP adjustment when moving from Gross Works Cost to Factory Cost (add opening WIP, less closing WIP).
  • Forgetting to deduct scrap/credit for recoveries while computing Cost of Production.
  • Applying finished goods stock adjustment at the wrong stage — opening/closing FG adjust COP to arrive at COGS (not at Factory Cost).
Reference:
Now that you've read this — what's next?
Move from understanding → mastery in 3 clicks. Each option below picks up from this lesson's topic.
Start 15-min diagnostic