FIFO Calculator

Calculate inventory value and COGS using First-In, First-Out method

Inventory Purchases

Batch #1

$
Batch Value: $1,000.00

Batch #2

$
Batch Value: $1,800.00

Batch #3

$
Batch Value: $3,000.00

Sales Information

Maximum available: 450 units

$

FIFO Calculation Results

$2,200.00
Cost of Goods Sold
$3,600.00
Ending Inventory Value
250
Units Remaining
$5,000.00
Total Revenue
$2,800.00
Gross Profit
56%
Gross Margin

Cost of Goods Sold Breakdown

Batch #1: 100 units @ $10.00$1,000.00
Batch #2: 100 units @ $12.00$1,200.00
Total COGS:$2,200.00

Ending Inventory Breakdown

Batch #2: 50 units @ $12.00$600.00
Batch #3: 200 units @ $15.00$3,000.00
Total Ending Inventory:$3,600.00

FIFO Method: First items purchased are the first items sold

Ending Inventory: Total Inventory Value - Cost of Goods Sold

Key Insights

📦 You sold 200 units out of 450 total units in inventory
💰 Using FIFO, your COGS is $2,200.00 and remaining inventory is worth $3,600.00
📊 Average cost per unit in inventory: $12.89
💵 Gross profit margin: 56% (profitable)

Example: FIFO Calculation

Inventory Purchases

Batch 1: 100 units @ $10/unit = $1,000

Batch 2: 150 units @ $12/unit = $1,800

Batch 3: 200 units @ $15/unit = $3,000

Total Inventory: 450 units worth $5,800

Selling 200 Units Using FIFO

First 100 units from Batch 1: 100 × $10 = $1,000

Next 100 units from Batch 2: 100 × $12 = $1,200

COGS = $2,200

Ending Inventory:

50 units from Batch 2: 50 × $12 = $600

200 units from Batch 3: 200 × $15 = $3,000

Ending Inventory Value = $3,600

Profitability Analysis

Selling Price: $25/unit

Revenue: 200 units × $25 = $5,000

COGS: $2,200

Gross Profit: $2,800 (56% margin)

Inventory Summary

Total Batches3
Total Units450
Total Value$5,800.00
Avg Cost/Unit$12.89

FIFO vs Other Methods

FIFO (First-In, First-Out)

Sells oldest inventory first. Higher ending inventory value during inflation.

LIFO (Last-In, First-Out)

Sells newest inventory first. Lower taxable income during inflation.

Weighted Average

Uses average cost for all units. Smooths out price fluctuations.

FIFO Best Practices

✓

Best for perishable goods and items with expiration dates

✓

Reflects actual physical flow of most businesses

✓

Results in higher net income during inflation

✓

Ending inventory closely matches current market prices

✓

Widely accepted under GAAP and IFRS standards

Understanding FIFO Inventory Valuation

What is FIFO?

First-In, First-Out (FIFO) is an inventory valuation method that assumes the first items purchased or produced are the first ones sold. This creates a natural flow that matches how most businesses actually manage their physical inventory.

How FIFO Works

  • •Oldest inventory costs are assigned to Cost of Goods Sold first
  • •Most recent costs remain in ending inventory
  • •Matches physical flow for most perishable products

FIFO Advantages

During Inflation:

Lower COGS leads to higher profits and ending inventory value closer to market prices

Inventory Management:

Encourages selling older stock first, reducing waste and obsolescence

Financial Reporting:

Provides more accurate balance sheet representation of inventory value

FIFO Calculation Formula

Step 1: Calculate Total Inventory Value

= Σ (Units × Price per Unit) for all batches

Step 2: Calculate COGS (sell oldest first)

= Sum of (Units Sold × Cost) starting from first batch

Step 3: Calculate Ending Inventory

= Total Inventory Value - COGS

Impact on Financial Statements

Balance Sheet

Ending inventory reflects recent costs, providing current market value

Income Statement

Lower COGS during inflation increases gross profit and net income

Tax Implications

Higher profits may result in higher tax liability during inflationary periods