Margins, break-even & unit economics · Core

Indirect cost

Also called: overhead

ELI5

A cost shared across activities and allocated rather than directly traced.

Used in conversation

“Compare indirect cost with the same cohort and period before drawing a conclusion.”

Pitch context

You will see “Indirect cost” in financial models, budgets, board packs and investor materials when the discussion reaches margins, break-even & unit economics.

Why it matters: In margins, break-even & unit economics, different calculation boundaries, periods or accounting treatments can change the number and the decision.

Caution

Calculation, recognition and disclosure can vary by accounting framework, company policy and reporting context.

Sources & evidence · 4

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.