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Flexible budget

A flexible budget describes expected revenue and costs over a range of activity levels using appropriate behaviour assumptions. Variable costs change with activity, fixed costs remain within their range and stepped costs change at thresholds. It can support planning before the period and control afterwards. A flexed budget is the particular budget recalculated for the actual activity achieved; the flexible model and the resulting single-level comparison are related but distinct.

Worked example

The model is cost = $2,000 fixed + $4 per unit. It predicts $6,000 at 1,000 units and $6,800 at 1,200, provided no capacity step is crossed.

Common mistake

Do not keep the average total cost per unit constant when flexing a budget containing fixed costs.

Where it appears in your exams

QualificationExamRelationshipPeriod
ACCA MA Direct September 2026–June 2027
ACCA PM Direct September 2026–June 2027
FIA FMA Direct September 2026–June 2027