First In, First Out (FIFO)

By Entrepreneur Staff

Pencil

First In, First Out (FIFO) Definition:

An accounting system used to value inventory for tax purposes. Under FIFO, inventory is valued at its most recent cost.

FIFO was the traditional method used by most businesses before inflation became common. Under FIFO, the goods you receive first are the goods you sell first. Under this method, you value inventory at its most recent price. FIFO is usually used during periods of relatively low inflation since high inflation and increasing replacement costs tend to skew inventory accounting figures.

More from Accounting

Cash Flow

The difference between the available cash at the beginning of an accounting period and that at the end of the period. Cash comes in from sales, loan proceeds, investments and the sale of assets and goes out to pay for operating and direct expenses, principal debt service, and the purchase of asset

See full definition

Cash Flow Statement

A financial statement that reflects the inflow of revenue vs. the outflow of expenses resulting from operating, investing and financing activities during a specific time period

See full definition

Cash-Basis Accounting

An accounting system that doesn't record accruals but instead recognizes income (or revenue) only when payment is received and expenses only when payment is made. There's no match of revenue against expenses in a fixed accounting period, so comparisons of previous periods aren't possible.

See full definition

Accountant

A person whose work it is to inspect, keep or adjust accounts

See full definition

Latest Articles

Franchise

One Factor Is Helping This Entrepreneur Tackle Business Ownership Later in Life. Now, She's Jumping Into a $20 Billion Industry.

Stacey Howell has reinvented herself multiple times. In her latest move, she leverages her extensive corporate career, history of public service and experience running a nonprofit as a Woodhouse Spa franchisee.

Growing a Business

Stanford Professors On the Counterintuitive Strategy That Helps Google Hire Top Talent

We assume that the best processes are seamless, but a little friction can go a long way.

Health & Wellness

Following These Five Practices Dramatically Improved My Mental Health — Find Out If They Could Help You, Too.

In today's environment, there's countless barriers to our focus on our mental health and emotional wellbeing. These five practices will help you overcome such barriers.