Income Elesticity of Demand



Meaning:
The Income Elasticity of Demand measures the rate of response of quantity demand due to a raise (or lowering) in a consumers income. The formula for the Income Elasticity of Demand (IEoD) is given by:


IEoD = (% Change in Quantity Demanded)/(% Change in Income)





Numerical calculation of income elasticity
Now let us consider the data given below and calculate the income elasticity of demand.
Income of the consumer =Rs.5000/- Increased income =Rs.6000/- Original demand for butter = 2 Kg Increased demand for butter =2.50 Kg
From the data we get,
∆q =0.50
∆y =1000
y =5000
q =2



Substituting these values in the formula for income elasticity we get,
Ey =(∆q/∆y)(y/q)
=(0.50/1000)(5000/2)
=5/4
=1.25
Normal Good: A normal good exists if an increase in income causes an increase in demand. This is seen as a positive value for the income elasticity of demand, or a coefficient of elasticity of N > 0.

Inferior Good: An inferior good exists if an increase in income causes a decrease in demand. This is seen as a negative value for the income elasticity of demand, or a coefficient of elasticity of N < 0.
A normal good can also be classified as either elastic or inelastic, depending on the value of the income elasticity relative to 1. An inelastic normal good has a positive coefficient that is less than 1, 0 < N < 1. In contrast, an elastic normal good has a positive coefficient that is greater than 1, N > 1. This last case is commonly termed a luxury or superior good.

Superior Good: A superior good exists if a relatively small increase in income causes a relatively large increase in demand. This is seen as a positive value for the income elasticity of demand greater than 1, or a coefficient of elasticity of N > 1.

Types of Elasticity:

    A Beginner's Guide to Price Elasticity
    Price Elasticity of Demand
    Price Elasticity of Supply


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