Opportunity Cost Calculator

Calculate opportunity cost for investment decisions and resource allocation. Compare alternatives, analyze foregone returns, and make informed financial choices with comprehensive decision analysis.

✓ Decision Analysis ✓ Alternative Comparison ✓ Cost-Benefit Analysis

Opportunity Cost Calculator

Analysis Type

Chosen Investment

Amount invested in chosen option

Annual expected return rate

Investment time horizon

Alternative Investment

Amount for alternative option

Annual expected return rate

Name of alternative investment

Opportunity Cost Formula

Cost of foregone alternatives

Formula:

Opportunity Cost = Return of Best Alternative - Return of Chosen Option
Measures the cost of the next best alternative foregone

Decision Examples

Conservative vs Growth
Bonds vs Stock Market
Real Estate Investment
Property vs Index Fund
Business Resource
Marketing vs R&D spending

Decision Framework

Positive Cost: Alternative is better
Negative Cost: Chosen option is better
Zero Cost: Options are equivalent
Consider Risk: Adjust for risk differences

Key Concepts

⚖️ Trade-offs: Every choice has costs
🎯 Best Alternative: Next best option
💰 Economic Cost: Beyond monetary cost
📊 Decision Making: Rational choice theory
Advertisement

Understanding Opportunity Cost

Opportunity cost represents the value of the next best alternative that must be given up when making a choice. It's a fundamental economic concept that helps in making rational decisions by considering what you sacrifice.

  • Economic Principle: Every choice involves trade-offs
  • Decision Making: Helps evaluate alternatives objectively
  • Resource Allocation: Optimizes use of limited resources
  • Investment Analysis: Compares investment opportunities

Applications

Investment Decisions

Compare different investment options and their potential returns.

Business Strategy

Evaluate strategic alternatives and resource allocation decisions.

Career Choices

Assess career paths and educational investment decisions.

Time Management

Optimize time allocation across different activities and priorities.