Definition
Gross is a term used in business and finance with two primary meanings:
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Gross (Finance and Accounting): Refers to the total amount of revenue or income generated before any deductions such as taxes, expenses, or allowances. For instance, gross income is the total income earned by an individual or business before taxes and other deductions.
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Gross (Merchandise Quantity): In the context of merchandise, “gross” represents a quantity of 12 dozen, which equals 144 items. This unit of measure is often used in wholesale and bulk transactions.
Examples
Example 1: Gross Income
A company’s gross income for the year is $500,000. This figure represents total revenue before any deductions such as operating expenses, taxes, and other liabilities.
Example 2: Gross Merchandise
A supplier ships a gross of widgets to a retailer. Since one gross equals 144 items, the retailer receives 144 widgets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between gross and net income?
- Gross income is the total revenue or income before any deductions. Net income is the income remaining after all expenses, taxes, and deductions have been subtracted from the gross income.
How do you calculate gross income?
- Gross income can be calculated by summing all the income sources before any deductions. For businesses, this includes total revenue from sales before deducting expenses such as cost of goods sold (COGS), salaries, rent, and utilities.
What does a gross quantity mean in wholesale?
- In wholesale contexts, a gross quantity refers to 12 dozen or 144 items. It is often used for bulk products to streamline ordering and inventory processes.
Is gross income the same as gross profit?
- No, gross income and gross profit are not the same. Gross profit specifically refers to the amount left after subtracting the cost of goods sold (COGS) from total sales revenue. Gross income encompasses all forms of income before deductions.
Related Terms
- Net Income: The total income after all deductions, expenses, taxes, and other liabilities have been subtracted from the gross income.
- Total Revenue: The complete amount of money received by a company from its business activities, before subtracting any expenses.
- Gross Profit: The financial gain calculated by deducting the cost of producing and selling goods from total sales revenue.
- Gross Margin: The ratio of gross profit to total revenue, expressed as a percentage.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Financial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision Making” by Paul D. Kimmel, Jerry J. Weygandt, and Donald E. Kieso.
- “Principles of Accounting” by Belverd E. Needles Jr. and Marian Powers.
- “Intermediate Accounting” by Donald E. Kieso, Jerry J. Weygandt, and Terry D. Warfield.
- “Accounting Made Simple: Accounting Explained in 100 Pages or Less” by Mike Piper.
Fundamentals of Gross: Accounting Basics Quiz
Thank you for exploring the comprehensive definitions and examples of “Gross” in various contexts, paired with our insightful quiz for a deeper understanding. Dive into more financial terms to enhance your business acumen!