What is the difference between a cost center and a profit center?

Definition of Cost Center

A cost center is a subunit of a company that is responsible only for its costs. A few examples of cost centers are:

  • Production departments within a factory
  • Service departments within a factory
  • Administrative departments such as IT and accounting

Definition of a Profit Center

A profit center is a subunit of a company that is responsible for revenues and costs. If a division of a company has responsibility for revenues, costs, and the resulting profits, it is a profit center.

Additional Comments

Cost centers and profit centers are usually associated with planning and control in a decentralized company.