Cost your ending inventory and COGS using first-in, first-out layers.
Please do not make financial decisions based on these results.
What is the FIFO Calculator for Inventory?
Cost your ending inventory and COGS using first-in, first-out layers. To use the FIFO Calculator for Inventory, enter layer 1 units, layer 1 unit cost, layer 2 units, layer 2 unit cost, layer 3 units, layer 3 unit cost and a few more values; it returns fifo cost of goods sold, ending inventory value, units left, and shows them instantly as you type.
Where the FIFO Calculator for Inventory fits
Cost your ending inventory and COGS using first-in, first-out layers. The main figure it returns is the FIFO cost of goods sold, worked out from the values you enter.
It belongs with the other business planning tools. If you are comparing options or checking a result from another angle, try the Cost of Goods Sold Calculator, GMROI Calculator — Gross Margin Return on Investment or the High-Low Method Calculator.
How to use the FIFO Calculator for Inventory
- Fill in the fields. You will need Layer 1 units, Layer 1 unit cost ($), Layer 2 units, Layer 2 unit cost ($), Layer 3 units, Layer 3 unit cost ($), Units sold. Use figures from the same period (same month, quarter or year) for every field. Fields marked optional can stay at zero.
- Read the result. The highlighted box gives the FIFO cost of goods sold, and the cards below show Ending inventory value, Units left. Tables and charts break it down further.
- Test other scenarios. Results update as you type. Change one value at a time to see what drives the answer, and press Reset to go back to the defaults.
Formula and how it works
Example with real numbers
Here is the FIFO Calculator for Inventory using the default values shown in the calculator above:
Inputs
| Layer 1 units | 100 |
|---|---|
| Layer 1 unit cost ($) | 10 |
| Layer 2 units | 150 |
| Layer 2 unit cost ($) | 12 |
| Layer 3 units | 120 |
| Layer 3 unit cost ($) | 14 |
| Units sold | 260 |
Results
| FIFO cost of goods sold | $2,940.00 |
|---|---|
| Ending inventory value | $1,540.00 |
| Units left | 110 |
With these inputs the calculator returns FIFO cost of goods sold: $2,940.00. Change any value in the calculator to see how the result moves.
What if you change one input?
Sensitivity check: raising Layer 1 units from 100 to 120 (about 20% higher) and leaving everything else as in the example above changes the results like this:
| Result | Example | After the change | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFO cost of goods sold | $2,940.00 | $2,880.00 | -2% |
| Ending inventory value | $1,540.00 | $1,800.00 | +16.9% |
| Units left | 110 | 130 | +18.2% |
The input that moves the result most is the one to check twice. Change it in the calculator above to test your own case.
What the results tell you
The results panel of the FIFO Calculator for Inventory reports FIFO cost of goods sold, ending inventory value and units left. Compare these figures while changing one input at a time, and use the related calculators below to look at the same situation from another angle.
Method and limits. This calculator applies the formula in the section above to your inputs, in your browser; nothing you enter is stored on our servers. The result is only as accurate as the numbers you enter and the formula shown above. It is for information, not financial, tax or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does FIFO raise or lower profit in inflation?
When prices rise FIFO reports a lower COGS and higher profit than LIFO.
What is the most important number for a new business?
Cash runway. A profitable plan still fails if cash runs out first, so check burn rate and break-even together.
Can these calculators replace an accountant?
No. They give fast estimates from your inputs. Use an accountant for tax, audited accounts and valuation reports.
Are the results guaranteed?
No. Results depend entirely on the numbers you enter and the formulas shown on this page. Please do not make financial decisions based on them alone; confirm important figures with a licensed professional.
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