What is "cost of goods sold"

n. (context accounting English) The expense of acquiring the inventory that is sold during a given accounting period.

Cost of goods sold (COGS) refer to the carrying value of goods sold during a particular period.

Costs are associated with particular goods using one of several formulas, including specific identification, first-in first-out (FIFO), or average cost. Costs include all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Costs of goods made by the business include material, labor, and allocated overhead. The costs of those goods not yet sold are deferred as costs of inventory until the inventory is sold or written down in value.