6.9 : Isoquants

An isoquant is a curve that shows all possible combinations of two inputs, typically labor and capital, that produce a specific output quantity. It is derived from 'iso,' meaning equal, and 'quant,' meaning quantity.

Consider a factory that makes toothbrushes using only two inputs: labor and machinery.

The factory manufactures one thousand toothbrushes a day. This can include combinations like ten workers and five machines, eighteen workers and two machines, and so on.

All those combinations, from 10 workers and 5 machines to 25 workers and 1 machine, that can produce one thousand toothbrushes a day make up an isoquant.

An isoquant map consists of multiple isoquants, each representing a different output level. Higher isoquants further from the origin, represent higher output levels. Firms employ isoquant maps to analyze input combinations required for different production levels.

Isoquants are similar to indifference curves in the consumer theory. Indifference curves represent combinations of goods that a consumer views as equally preferable. On the other hand, isoquants represent combinations of inputs that a firm views as equally productive.

Isquants help firms understand trade-offs in production, determining the most cost-effective input combination and studying technological changes.