What is weighted average inventory method?

The weighted average inventory method is an accounting approach used to value inventory by averaging the costs of all items available for sale during a specific period. Under this method, the total cost of goods available for sale is divided by the total number of units available, resulting in a weighted average cost per unit. This average cost is then used to determine the cost of goods sold and the ending inventory value. It smooths out price fluctuations over time, making it particularly useful for businesses with large volumes of similar items.