In medical research, cross-sectional studies differ from case-control studies in that they aim to provide data on the entire population under study, whereas case-control studies typically include only individuals with a specific characteristic, with a sample, often a tiny minority, of the rest of the population.
(redirected from Variable Expense) Also found in: Dictionary, Wikipedia. A cost that is directly proportional to the volume of output produced. When production is zero, the variable cost is equal to zero. A cost to a person or business that varies over time according to a number of factors.
Fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs are those that do not vary with output and typically include rents, insurance, depreciation, set-up costs, and normal profit. They are also called overheads. Variable costs are costs that do vary with output, and they are also called direct costs. Examples of typical variable costs include fuel, raw materials, and some labour costs.