Sparky Corporation uses the FIFO method of process costing. The following information is available for February in its Molding Department: Units: Beginning Inventory: 34,000 units, 100% complete as to materials and 55% complete as to conversion. Units started and completed: 119,000. Units completed and transferred out: 153,000. Ending Inventory: 34,500 units, 100% complete as to materials and 35% complete as to conversion. Costs: Costs in beginning Work in Process - Direct Materials: $52,000. Costs in beginning Work in Process - Conversion: $57,850. Costs incurred in February - Direct Materials: $349,625. Costs incurred in February - Conversion: $608,150. Calculate the cost per equivalent unit of materials.

The cost per equivalent unit of materials is $2.28

Explanation:

The Concept of Equivalent units measures the number of units complete to the extent of the input elements added during production.

The FIFO method in Process costing Accounts for Costs only incurred during the Manufacturing Period. Also, The Opening Work In Process is Assumed to be completed first.

The First Step is to Calculate the Total Equivalent Units of Production for Raw Materials :

To finish Opening Work In Process (34,000 × 0%)         =        0

Started and Completed ((153,000 - 34,000) × 100% )     =  119,000

Closing Work In Process (34,500 × 100%)                       =   34,500

Total Equivalent Units of Production                               =   153,500

The Next and Final Step is to calculate the cost per equivalent unit of materials.

Cost per equivalent unit = Total Cost During the Current Period / Total Equivalent Units of Production

                                           = $349,625 / 153,500

                                           = $2.2776872

                                           = $2.28 (2 decimal places)

Conclusion :

The cost per equivalent unit of materials is $2.28