Opportunity cost isn’t just about money—it’s the value of what you miss out on when you choose one option over another. Whether you’re a student, investor, business, or government, knowing about opportunity cost helps you make better decisions, use resources wisely, and plan ahead. Learn the key examples, formulas, and how it differs from sunk costs to avoid expensive mistakes.
What is the opportunity cost?
Opportunity cost is the value a business gives up when it chooses one option over another. It represents the profit, time, or resources the company misses from the option it didn’t take.
Since businesses have limited resources, opportunity cost is key to making smart decisions. Every choice of capital, time, or staff means those resources aren’t available for something else. Considering these trade-offs helps managers understand not just the cost of a decision, but also what they sacrifice by not choosing another option.
Why is opportunity cost important?
Opportunity cost plays a crucial role in effective decision-making for individuals, businesses, and governments.
Key reasons why opportunity cost matters:
- Helps prioritise limited resources such as capital, labor, and time
- Encourages comparison between multiple alternatives
- Improves financial and strategic planning
- Reduces inefficient or emotionally driven decisions
- Supports long-term profitability and growth in businesses
Opportunity cost calculation formula
Opportunity cost can be calculated by comparing the returns of the chosen option with the returns of the best alternative not selected.
Basic formula:
Opportunity cost = Return of best forgone option – Return of chosen option
Pointers for calculation:
- Identify all available alternatives
- Determine the potential benefit of each option
- Select the next best alternative (not all alternatives)
- Subtract the return of the chosen option from the forgone option
Examples of opportunity cost
Understanding opportunity cost becomes easier with real-world examples.
Examples:
- A student choosing to study instead of working part-time gives up potential wages
- A business investing funds in new equipment instead of marketing sacrifices possible sales growth
- An investor buying bonds instead of stocks gives up potentially higher equity returns
These examples show that opportunity cost applies to both financial and non-financial decisions.
Explicit vs. implicit opportunity cost
Opportunity costs can be classified into two types: explicit and implicit.
| Basis | Explicit opportunity cost | Implicit opportunity cost |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Direct, out-of-pocket costs | Indirect, non-monetary costs |
| Measurability | Easy to quantify | Difficult to quantify |
| Example | Rent paid for office space | Salary forgone by a business owner |
| Accounting use | Recorded in financial statements | Not recorded but considered in analysis |
Both types are essential for a complete evaluation of economic decisions.
How to evaluate opportunity cost
Evaluating opportunity cost helps in choosing the most beneficial option among alternatives.
Steps to evaluate:
- Clearly define your objective
- List all feasible alternatives
- Estimate the benefits and costs of each option
- Compare the most valuable alternative with the chosen one
- Consider both short-term and long-term impacts
Opportunity cost vs. sunk cost
Opportunity cost is often confused with sunk cost, but they serve different purposes in decision-making.
| Aspect | Opportunity cost | Sunk cost |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Value of forgone alternatives | Cost already incurred |
| Decision relevance | Relevant for future decisions | Should be ignored |
| Time frame | Future-oriented | Past-oriented |
| Example | Not investing in a project | Money already spent on research |
Understanding this distinction prevents poor decisions driven by past investments.
Conclusion
Opportunity cost is a fundamental concept that influences everyday choices and major financial decisions alike. By focusing on what is sacrificed rather than just what is gained, individuals and businesses can allocate resources more efficiently and strategically.
For businesses, evaluating opportunity cost is especially important when deciding how to fund growth, whether through savings or a business loan. Comparing returns against the business loan interest rate helps ensure that financing decisions truly add value rather than limit future opportunities. Check your pre-approved business loan offer before finalising your funding decision.
Making opportunity cost a regular part of your decision-making process leads to smarter, more sustainable outcomes.
