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How to compare FIFO, LIFO and weighted average stock value in Inventory

See what the same closing stock is worth under each valuation method at a chosen date.

Level: intermediate · Updated 12 Nov 2026

Before you start

Why compare valuation methods

The value of your closing stock depends on the method used to cost it. FIFO assumes the oldest stock is sold first, LIFO assumes the newest is sold first, and Weighted average uses an average cost. The Method comparison page shows the same stock valued under each method, as at one date, so you can see how much the choice matters.

Before you start

  • Your profile needs permission to view the valuation report.
  • You need some stock in hand. If there is none, the page shows No stock available for comparison.

Step by step

  1. Open the Valuation section. It has tabs for Stock valuation, Cost layers, Method comparison, Recalculations and Revisions.
  2. Select the Method comparison tab.
  3. Set the As at date. The values are worked out as at this date.
  4. To look at one product, search by item code or name in the item box. You can also pick a Warehouse.
  5. Use the scope list to choose All items in stock, Positive stock only or Negative stock only.
  6. Read the summary cards: Items compared, Closing quantity, Basis stock value and Max variance.
  7. Scroll down to the table to see each item valued under every method. A plus or minus sign shows whether a method gives a higher or lower value than the basis.

Understand the methods

Select Learn about valuation methods for a short explanation of each method. Reading it helps you decide whether a difference is something to worry about.

See where a value comes from

On the Stock valuation tab, the method list offers As per item master, FIFO, LIFO and Weighted average. Click an item name to open Cost layers. There you see the purchase layers that item is valued from, and the issues that used them up.

Save the report

Use the export buttons beside the page title to download or print the comparison. The file is named method-comparison.

If the page is empty or fails

  • You see No stock available for comparison: try a later date, another warehouse or All items in stock.
  • You see Unable to load valuation comparison: refresh the page and try again.
  • You do not see the tabs: your profile may not include the valuation report.

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Steps

  1. Open the Valuation section.
  2. Select Method comparison.
  3. Choose the As at date, and optionally an item, warehouse and scope.
  4. Check the summary cards and the table.

Troubleshooting

Still stuck? Contact support or ask in the community.