Predetermined Overhead Rate (Definition, Types)

Predetermined Overhead Rate Definition

Predetermined overheads rate is the ratio of estimated overhead cost to the estimated units to be allocated and is used for allocation of expenses across its cost centers and can be fixed, variable or semi-variable in nature. Predetermined overhead rate is determined before the beginning of any accounting year to estimate the level of activity and the amount of overhead required to allocating the same. At a later stage, when the actual expenses are known, the difference in that allocated overhead and the actual expense is adjusted. Overheads are distributed on the base of the apportionment.

Types of Predetermined Overhead rate

Given below are the types of predetermined overhead rate.

Fixed Predetermined Overhead: These are a fixed cost incurred for a particular period having a certain level of output produced with a given input.
Semi Variable predetermined overhead: It contains both variable and fixed components, therefore, some parts of the cost can be identified and some can’t be due to its variable nature.
Variable predetermined overhead: It is totally dependent upon the activity it is very tough to identify but by studying the past trends the experts try to predict the variable predetermined overhead.
Single predetermined overhead rate: This is calculated by using single apportionment bases. This is more useful in the case of small companies where there is less transaction involved. These types of rates are generally determined by following the past trends of the company.
Multiple predetermined overhead rates: This type of predetermined rates is used for large scale businesses were the recovery rate depends upon multiple allocation bases. There are huge transactions involved in a single unit, therefore, it becomes somewhat difficult to find the rate although it has been found that the multiple predetermined overhead rates are more accurate and prominent.

Predetermined Overhead Rate Formula

Following is the formula of predetermined overhead rate.

Predetermined Overhead Rate Formula = Estimated Overhead Cost/Estimated Units to be Allocated

The Overhead costs can be Material, labor, manufacturing, selling, and distribution.

We can calculate predetermined overhead for material using units to be allocated, for labor we can use labor hours worked and for calculating overhead for store department we can use the quantity of material to be used.

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Predetermined Overhead Rate Example

In a company the management wants to calculate the predetermined overhead so that they can set aside some amount for the allocation of a cost unit. They use labor hours for the apportionment of its manufacturing cost. The manufacturing cost for the year has been calculated as $ 50,000. The labor hours estimated is 10,000 hours by the company. This is calculated following the past trends of the company.

Therefore, by using the above formula we get,

Predetermined Overhead Rate formula = 50000/10000 hours
= $ 5/Labor hr.

These are found out using assumptions and are not absolutely accurate. The differences which arise between the actual overhead and the estimated predetermined overhead is set and adjusted at every year-end. The adjusted overhead is known as over or under-recovery of overhead.

Advantages

The predetermined overhead rate helps in determining the overhead required for the particular cost center and also an estimate is provided to the management for the same.
It helps in the allocation of the overhead by calculating overhead recovery rate if the allocation bases are known.
The advantage of the predetermined overhead rate is that the management draws a clear idea about the overheads that whether it is fixed or variable and how much it should be apportioned. It provides great help to the management for financial planning.
It is calculated in the begging of the year and the difference is being adjusted in the year-end all the assumptions are based on somewhat past trends and analysis.

Disadvantages

The mechanism which is used to calculate the predetermined overhead rate is an assumption based therefore many cost accountant and financial analyst claims that it is not realistic and thus should not be the basis for any allocation of overheads.
The difference between the estimated and the actual overhead is adjusted in the books as under or over the recovery of overhead it is a healthy accounting policy but it also disturbs the profit/loss in the books of accounts because of the adjustments made.
The inventory assets are also adjusted since the over and under-recovery, overhead disturbs the inventory level in the organization as well.
It is being found out that the past trends which the companies generally use to find out the allocation bases are not accurate. The adjustment related to inflation in the market is generally not taken care, therefore, the allocation rate cannot be considered as accurate.

Limitations

The predetermined overhead rate has some limitations, the overhead is determined on the basis of certain assumptions related to past which can be inaccurate sometimes.
The allocation rate is calculated on the allocation bases which are generally determined by the management, these assumptions can be incorrect.
It can disturb the profits of the organization because the adjustments are made at the end of the year.

Conclusion

Predetermined overhead is determined at the beginning of the year. A large organization uses multiple predetermined overhead recovery rates for the allocation of its expenses to the cost centers. However, small organizations, which have small budgets, cannot afford to have multiple predetermined overhead allocation mechanisms since it requires experts to determine the same. The single rate overhead recovery rate is considered as inappropriate but sometimes it can give maximum correct results.

It helps the management to distribute the expenses to its cost centers. Thus the organization gets a clear idea about the expenses which are been allocated and the expected profits during the year. The concept of predetermined overhead is based on the assumption that the overheads will remain constant and the production value is dependent on it. It helps to improve the segregation of the costs to their respective cost centers, thus making it a helping tool if used properly by the organization and if the calculations are correct after taking somewhat accurate assumptions.