2.7

Consumer Surplus

AP Microeconomics

What is consumer surplus?

Consumer Surplus123456789101112123456789101112QuantityPrice ($)DemandPrice = $4

Consumer surplus = shaded area below demand and above price

Why the demand curve represents willingness to pay

Calculating consumer surplus

Worked example

Individual consumer surplus

How price changes affect CS

Price decreases → CS increases

Price increases → CS decreases

CS at P=$6Gain in CS when P drops to $4123456789101112123456789101112QuantityPrice ($)DemandP₁ = $6P₂ = $4

Price decrease from $6 to $4 increases consumer surplus

CS and elasticity

AP exam tips for 2.7

Common mistakes

Key equations

Vocabulary