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What is the allowed cost (budget allowance) in flexible budgeting?

Beginner

Answer

The allowed cost is the cost the flexed budget permits for the actual level of activity—variable cost per unit times actual units plus fixed cost. It's the fair benchmark against which actual cost is compared, so the variance reflects performance rather than volume differences.
Real-world example The allowed cost at actual output is the yardstick for judging whether spending was controlled.

Common follow-ups: How is the allowed cost computed? | What does comparing to it reveal?