**Fixed Cost:**

Fixed costs are expenses that do not change in relation to the volume of production or sales. These costs remain constant regardless of the level of output or sales revenue generated by a business. Fixed costs are incurred even if there is no production or sales activity. They are typically associated with the basic operating capacity of a business and are incurred irrespective of the current level of production or sales. Here are some key characteristics and examples of fixed costs:

1. **Definition:** Fixed costs are those expenses that remain constant regardless of the level of production or sales.
2. **Invariance:** These costs do not change with changes in production or sales volume.
3. **Timeframe:** Fixed costs are typically incurred over a relatively long period, such as a year or more.
4. **Examples:** Some common examples of fixed costs include rent or lease payments for facilities, salaries of permanent employees, insurance premiums, property taxes, and annual maintenance expenses.

**Variable Cost:**

Variable costs, on the other hand, are expenses that change in direct proportion to the volume of production or sales. These costs fluctuate based on the level of output or sales revenue generated by a business. Variable costs increase as production or sales increase and decrease as production or sales decrease. Unlike fixed costs, variable costs are not incurred if there is no production or sales activity. Here are some key characteristics and examples of variable costs:

1. **Definition:** Variable costs are those expenses that vary in direct proportion to the level of production or sales.
2. **Proportional Relationship:** These costs change in line with changes in production or sales volume.
3. **Timeframe:** Variable costs are typically incurred over a relatively short period, such as a month or less.
4. **Examples:** Some common examples of variable costs include the cost of raw materials, direct labor wages, sales commissions, packaging materials, and utilities costs that vary with production levels.

**Summary:**

In summary, fixed costs are those expenses that remain constant regardless of the level of production or sales, while variable costs change in direct proportion to the volume of production or sales. Fixed costs are incurred even if there is no production or sales activity, whereas variable costs are not incurred when there is no production or sales. Understanding the distinction between fixed and variable costs is crucial for businesses to accurately analyze their cost structure, determine break-even points, make pricing decisions, and assess profitability.