Double counting (accounting) in the context of "Intermediate good"

⭐ In the context of intermediate goods, double-counting is avoided in GDP calculations because…

Ad spacer

⭐ Core Definition: Double counting (accounting)

Double counting in accounting is an error whereby a transaction is counted more than once, for whatever reason. But in social accounting it also refers to a conceptual problem in social accounting practice, when the attempt is made to estimate the new value added by Gross Output, or the value of total investments.

↓ Menu

>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<

👉 Double counting (accounting) in the context of Intermediate good

Intermediate goods, producer goods or semi-finished products are goods used as inputs in the production of other goods including final goods. A firm may make and then use intermediate goods, or make and then sell, or buy then use them. In the production process, intermediate goods either become part of the final product, or are changed beyond recognition in the process.This means intermediate goods are resold among industries.

Intermediate goods are not counted in a country's GDP, as that would mean double counting, because the value of the intermediate good is included in the value of the final good.

↓ Explore More Topics
In this Dossier

Double counting (accounting) in the context of Final good

A final good or consumer good is a final product ready for sale that is used by the consumer to satisfy current wants or needs, unlike an intermediate good, which is used to produce other goods. A microwave oven or a bicycle is a final good.

When used in measures of national income and output, the term "final goods" includes only new goods. For example, gross domestic product (GDP) excludes items counted in an earlier year to prevent double counting based on resale of items. In that context, the economic definition of goods also includes what are commonly known as services.

↑ Return to Menu