How is the cost of production per unit defined?

The cost of production per unit is defined as the average cost, which represents the total cost of production divided by the number of units produced. This measure allows businesses to understand how much, on average, they are spending to produce each individual item.

Average cost takes into account both fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs are expenses that do not change with the level of output, such as rent and salaries, while variable costs fluctuate with production volume, like materials and labor directly tied to output. When averaged over all units produced, these costs provide insight into pricing strategies and profitability.

Additionally, average cost is essential for decision-making regarding scaling production or entering new markets since it reflects the minimum price at which a firm can sell its product to cover its costs. Other terms such as fixed cost and variable cost refer to specific types of costs rather than a per-unit calculation, and a subsidy does not describe a cost of production at all.