Averages are used in economics for ease of calculation. With their help, calculations are made that save accountants' time by using indicators that reflect fluctuations in set values with varying degrees of accuracy. To determine average prices, the arithmetic mean, weighted arithmetic mean and harmonic mean are most often used.
Instructions
Step 1
The most common type of average price is the arithmetic mean. It is used when you need to calculate the average term in the total data set. To find the price using the arithmetic mean method, add up all the prices used and divide the amount by their total. For example, let's say you sold an item packed in boxes. The prices for the boxes are different. The total number of boxes is 5. The task is to find the average price of one box. Use the formula: Price (average) = (10 + 15 + 10 + 25 + 15) / 5 = 15 (rubles).
Step 2
When it comes to sales of a similar product at different prices and different quantities of batches, it is obvious that the arithmetic mean will not reflect real prices. In this case, use the arithmetic weighted average. It allows you to determine the price through the ratio of the total amount of goods sold to their quantity. For example, you sold different batches of products at different prices: 10 units. - 15 rubles each; 15 units. - 10 rubles each; 25 units. - 20 rubles. The task is to find the average price of one unit of production. Determine the total sales: 10 × 15 + 15 × 10 + 25 × 20 = 800 (RUB) The total number of units sold - 50 - is known. Use the formula: Price (average ar.vz.) = 800/50 = 16 (rubles).
Step 3
If you need to calculate the average price for a dissimilar product of different value, use the harmonic average. It is also calculated as the ratio of sales to the number of goods sold. However, it allows you to take into account the difference in the cost of each type of product. For example, you sold three different consignments of goods at different prices: Product A worth 50 rubles. per unit for 500 rubles; Product B - 40 rubles. - for 600 rubles; Product B - 60 rubles. - for 1200 rubles Use the formula: Price (average harmonic) = (500 + 600 + 1200) / (500/50) + (600/40) + (1200/60) = 51, 11 (rubles).