What are operating expenses (Op Ex)? Formulas and examples
Learn what operating expenses (Op Ex) are, how to calculate them, and see real-world examples that help you understand their impact on business profits.
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Rho Editorial Team
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Key takeaways:
Operating expenses (Op Ex) are routine costs like salaries, rent, utilities, and marketing that are essential for day-to-day business operations.
Manage Op Ex effectively by tracking fixed and variable expenses, using strategies like expense audits and vendor negotiations to improve cash flow, profitability, and operational efficiency.
Imagine you're reviewing your monthly financial statement and notice a substantial portion labeled "Operating Expenses." You recognize it's a significant expense category, but do you fully grasp what it encompasses and how it affects your bottom line?
Operating expenses, commonly abbreviated as Op Ex, are the routine bills and costs you regularly face—like paying your staff, renting office space, or paying for electricity and internet. Understanding your Op Ex is important to determine your company's financial health and influence critical business decisions.
In this guide, we'll break down operating expenses in simple terms, give you some relatable examples, and share practical tips to manage these expenses effectively—helping you boost profitability and keep your business running smoothly.
What exactly are operating expenses?
Operating expenses, or Op Ex, represent the regular costs associated with keeping your business operational on a day-to-day basis.
Unlike direct production costs, these expenses support the ongoing administrative and functional needs of your company, ensuring smooth operational continuity and efficiency.
Op Ex is also unlike capital expenditures (Cap Ex)—which involve long-term investments like buying property, equipment, or technology. In comparison, Op Ex only covers routine costs that keep your doors open and daily operations flowing smoothly.
Common examples of operating expenses you might see
Here is a detailed list illustrating typical examples of Op Ex:
Employee salaries, wages, and benefits
Rent or lease payments for office spaces
Utilities like electricity, water, and internet
Insurance (health, liability, property)
Marketing and advertising
Office supplies and consumables
Regular maintenance and cleaning
Depreciation and amortization
Travel and entertainment
Professional fees (like legal and accounting services)
How to accurately calculate operating expenses
Calculating your company's operating expenses is relatively straightforward. Use the following general formula:Operating Expenses = Sum of All Day-to-Day Operational Costs (Excluding Direct Product Costs)
To get the exact figure, simply add up all the routine expenses listed in your income statement under operating activities.
Detailed total operating expenses formula
Total Operating Expenses = Salaries + Rent + Utilities + Insurance + Marketing + Supplies + Maintenance + Professional Services + Other Operational Costs
2 types of operating expenses
Now that you've understood the basics, let's talk about these two main categories of operating expenses: fixed and variable. Understanding the difference helps manage your finances more effectively.
Fixed operating expenses
These expenses remain stable regardless of your business volume or sales, including:
Office lease or rental agreements
Fixed insurance premiums
Salaries of permanent staff
Depreciation of assets
Subscriptions and licenses
Variable operating expenses
These costs fluctuate according to business activity levels, including:
Utility costs (varies with usage)
Travel and transportation expenses
Hourly or contract-based wages
Seasonal or performance-based marketing initiatives
Inventory management and storage costs
Understanding Op Ex on your financial statements
Clearly seeing Op Ex on your income statement is valuable because it lets you quickly assess how efficiently you're running your business.
Where Op Ex fits in your income statementYour income statement is usually structured like this:Revenue ' Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) = Gross Profit
And this:Gross Profit ' Operating Expenses = Operating Income
By breaking down exactly how much you're spending on day-to-day operations, you can easily pinpoint where you're overspending or underinvesting.
Why is managing operating expenses crucial?
Managing Op Ex effectively is critical for several reasons:
Improves cash flow
Boosts profitability
Enhances operational efficiency
Gives you a competitive advantage
The operating expense ratio: A helpful metric
To see how effectively you're managing your expenses, use the operating expense ratio:Operating Expense Ratio = (Operating Expenses Revenue) 100
Ideally, your Op Ex ratio should range between 60%-80%, but it can vary depending on your industry. Monitoring this regularly can help spot opportunities for savings.
Practical ways to reduce operating expenses
Here's how you can optimize your Op Ex:
Regularly audit expenses to find unnecessary spending
Negotiate better terms with vendors and suppliers
Automate routine administrative tasks
Switch to energy-efficient utilities
Optimize your marketing strategies for better returns
Use cloud solutions to minimize infrastructure costs
Consolidate and streamline your software and subscriptions
Common FAQs about Op Ex
Are salaries considered operating expenses?
Yes! Salaries for employees not directly involved in production are Op Ex.
Where do operating expenses show up on financial statements?
Op Ex shows up right below gross profit on your income statement.
What's the difference between operating and non-operating expenses?
Operating expenses relate directly to your core business operations, whereas non-operating expenses are unrelated, like interest payments or investment losses.
Can operating expenses be both fixed and variable?
Absolutely. Op Ex includes both fixed costs like rent and variable costs like utilities.
Make managing Op Ex easier with Rho
Managing Op Ex effectively can be challenging. But regularly reviewing and controlling these costs is crucial to ensure your business stays profitable and ready for growth. That's where Rho can help.With Rho's user-friendly platform, you get clear, real-time insights into your spending, making it easy to manage and reduce costs strategically. Automate expense tracking, streamline payments, and forecast future costs—all from one intuitive place.
See firsthand how Rho can help your business boost efficiency and profitability today.
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Note: This content is for informational purposes only. It doesn't necessarily reflect the views of Rho and should not be construed as legal, tax, benefits, financial, accounting, or other advice. If you need specific advice for your business, please consult with an expert, as rules and regulations change regularly.