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.
Variable cost is an expense that changes in relation to a company s business activity. As opposed to fixed costs, which remain constant, these costs arise in direct proportion to a business s output, increasing and decreasing along with the volume of production.Most often, variable rates are associated with production and packaging materials, as well as some hourly wage labor expenses.s opposed to fixed costs, which remain constant, these costs arise in direct proportion to a business s output, increasing and decreasing along with the volume of production. Most often, variable rates are associated with production and packaging materials, as well as some hourly wage labor expenses.