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Consumer Surplus

Definition

Consumer surplus refers to the difference between what consumers are willing to pay for a good or service and what they actually have to pay. It represents the extra benefit or value that consumers receive from purchasing a product at a price lower than their maximum willingness to pay.

Related terms

Producer Surplus: This term refers to the difference between what producers receive from selling a good or service and the minimum amount they are willing to accept. It represents the extra profit or benefit that producers gain.

Elasticity of Demand: This term measures how responsive consumers are to changes in price. If demand is elastic, small changes in price will result in larger changes in quantity demanded.

Price Ceiling: A price ceiling is a government-imposed limit on how high prices can be charged for certain goods or services. It is usually set below the equilibrium price, leading to shortages.

"Consumer Surplus" appears in:

Subjects (1)

  • AP Microeconomics

Study guides (2)

  • AP Macroeconomics - 1.6 Market Equilibrium, Disequilibrium, and Changes in Equilibrium

  • AP Macroeconomics - 6.4 Effect of Changes in Policies & Economic Conditions on the Foreign Exchange Market

Practice Questions (1)

  • What happens to consumer surplus when protective tariffs are imposed?

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About Us

About Fiveable

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Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

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Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.