If the allocation base in the predetermined overhead rate does not drive overhead costs, it will nevertheless provide reasonably accurate unit product costs because of the averaging process.

Allocation Base

A measure or statistic used to distribute indirect costs to different cost objects, such as departments or products.

Overhead Costs

Expenses related to the day-to-day running of a business that cannot be directly attributed to creating a product or service, such as rent, utilities, and insurance.

Averaging Process

A method used in manufacturing or cost calculation where inputs or expenses over a period are averaged to determine a standard cost or value.