A tool that computes the responsiveness of quantity demanded of a good or service to a change in its price. The result is a numerical representation of how sensitive consumers are to price fluctuations. For instance, if a 10% increase in price leads to a 20% decrease in quantity demanded, the calculation would demonstrate a high degree of elasticity.
This computation is vital for pricing strategies, revenue forecasting, and understanding market dynamics. Businesses use it to predict how changes in pricing will affect sales volume and total revenue. Historically, understanding demand elasticity has been a cornerstone of economic analysis and business decision-making, allowing for more informed resource allocation and strategic planning.