Difference Between Supply and Demand
Among the essential terminologies in economics, two will be discussed in this article. Have you ever wondered – How is supply different from demand? There is no doubt that people’s choices and concerns about the items they buy are increasing. It therefore becomes crucial to maintain equity between the two notions mentioned.
The following descriptions clearly show what is the difference between supply and demand. Read further to recognize the correlation between the two terms. Also, a comparison table is outlined, in order to assist readers make a quick distinction between the two.
Supply and Demand Definitions
To begin with a slight introduction, the supply and demand definitions are as follows. The first defines the number of products that can be sold. Whereas the second is a buyer’s requirement or disposition for a merchandise, and his/her ability to spend on it in the same way. Note that when demand for a product increases, supply decreases.
Consequently, when the former is sufficient, there may be a lack of need. This means that both these concepts are inversely related to each other. While one increases, the other decreases. This concerns the supply and demand definition. Let us now look at the difference between supply and demand by discussing them in distinct sections.
Definition of Supply
It is the measure that manufacturers offer because of a specific monetary value. If graphically represented, the supply curve is tilted upwards. Its association with cost is directly proportional. This means that if the value increases, the supply also increases.
Have you noticed that the cost of your favorite items rises if they are only available at a certain place? This is due to the fact that there is less stock of that item. This is the reason for the increase at the expense of the merchandise. The law of supply states that when the stock is high, the supply will be high. Therefore, if the profusion of a stock is less, the rate will be gradually increased.
Definition of Demand
It determines the probability that a buyer will acquire materials in a quantity decided by the manufacturer. The graphical representation depicts a downward sloping graph. It basically indicates the quantity of goods a person desires to purchase.
For the non-professionals, it can be explained by the abundance of organizations that are willing to acquire particular merchandise in the business. Additionally, it is also the wealth they are willing to pay for that particular commodity.
Real-life examples can be drawn from the clothing market. The value of clothing in winter contracts in summer. This is because the willingness to purchase winter clothes in the summer drops. This compels manufacturers to reduce order costs, in order to be able to use the old stock of winter clothes.
The law of demand states that every time there is a decrease in the value of a stock, demand increases. In addition, the exchange order and the rate are inversely related. As one increases, the other collapses.
Supply vs Demand Comparison Table
Having reviewed the definition of supply and demand, readers are certainly aware of both now. A comparison table is presented below, which allows a quick distinction between the two. Let’s have a quick look.
| Basis of Comparison | Supply | Demand |
| Definition | The amount that manufacturers sell in exchange for a concerning cost. | The amount that a buyer is prepared to buy, having the capability to pay at a price. |
| Graph slope | Upward | Downward |
| Represents | Typifies the firms | It typifies the buyer |
| Relationship with value | Price raises, supply increases (i.e. Direct relationship) | Price increases, demand declines (i.e Inverse relationship) |
Conclusion of Main Difference Between Supply vs Demand
It is hoped that the definition of supply and demand would have shed some light on our readers’ views. Considering the above, defining supply and demand momentarily is a light touch. The price of the commodity, the inputs required, the commodities that are linked have an impact on both of the terminologies mentioned. For the economy to operate in a commendable way, it is vital that both terminologies are brought up to speed. An imbalance between the two will cause colossal harm to the enterprises as well as the market.
