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Difference Between Short - Run & Long Run Costs

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Topics

  • Definition: Long Run Costs
  • Definition: Short Run Costs
  • Comparison Table
  • Real-Life Application
  • Key Points: Difference Between Short - Run & Long Run Costs
CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Long Run Costs

Long-run costs: Costs when a firm can change all inputs, including scale/plant size.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Short Run Costs

Short-run costs: Costs when a firm can change only some inputs (like labor), but not its scale/plant size.

CISCE: Class 12

Comparison Table

Feature Short-Run Costs Long-Run Costs
What is included Fixed and variable costs Only variable costs
Average cost formula Average cost = AFC + AVC Average cost = AVC
Curve shape U-shaped (law of variable proportion) U-shaped (returns to scale)
Curve name SAC (“plant” curve, one plant size) LAC (“planting” curve, envelope of SACs)
Optimum point Minimum SAC = best use of given plant Minimum LAC = best choice of plant size
CISCE: Class 12

Real-Life Application

  • Short-run: Imagine a bakery that can hire more bakers but cannot buy new ovens quickly. Costs include oven rent and bakers’ wages.
  • Long-run: The same bakery can change the number or size of ovens for best efficiency, so only ingredient and baker costs matter.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Difference Between Short - Run & Long Run Costs

  • Short-run: Both fixed and variable costs; a given plant size.
  • Long-run: Only variable costs; plant size can be changed for the cheapest production.
  • Both average cost curves are U-shaped but due to different economic reasons.

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