Theory Of Demand And Supply

The theory Of Demand And Supply is one of the most important theories in Economics or we can say one of the most important pillars of economics. It represents the relationship between buyers and sellers in a real market. In simple terms, when the price and supply of a commodity rise, the demand for that commodity falls and vice-versa. The level of supply and demand for varying prices of a commodity in an open market is represented on a graph known as the Demand and Supply Graph.

The relationship between demand and supply determines the market equilibrium.

Adam Smith, also known as the Father of Economics explained the concept of supply and demand as an “invisible hand” that naturally guides the economy. In this article, we will study in detail the Demand And Supply Theory.

Demand Theory

Demand is the customer’s desire to buy a commodity or service at a particular price during a given period of time. There are two aspects of demand- The consumer’s willingness to buy a particular product and the consumer’s ability to pay for the desired product.

Determinants of Demand

The determinants of demand or the factors influencing the demand of the consumers or buyers are as follows:

  • Price of the commodity: The price of the commodity is inversely proportional to the demand for the commodity. If the price of the commodity increases then its demand will decrease and vice-versa.
  • Income of the consumers: It means the capacity of the consumers to pay for a specific commodity. It is directly proportional to the demand for the commodity i.e. if the income of the consumers is high then the demand for various commodities will also be high.
  • Consumer’s Preferences: This depends upon the season. For example, during summer the demand for air conditioners is very high and during winter the demand for air conditioners is very less.

Law of Demand

The Law of Demand states that if the price of a commodity is high then its demand will decrease and if the price of the commodity falls then its demand will increase.

We can understand this from the image shared below.

Supply Theory

Supply refers to the service or commodity provided to the consumers/buyers by the sellers at a particular price during a given period of time. Supply is correlated with demand and both together influence the market equilibrium.

Determinants of Supply

The determinants of supply are:

  • Willingness: It is the quantity of the commodity sellers are willing to sell to the buyers/consumers
  • Ability to sell/supply: The quantity of the commodity available to sell or supply in order to fulfill the demand of the consumer’s

Law of Supply

The law of supply states that when the price of a commodity increases then the quantity of supply or produce also increases and when the price of a commodity decreases the supply also decreases. The higher the price of the supply the higher will be the profit margin.

Demand And Supply Theory

Now, we will understand the relationship between demand, supply, and price listed below.

  • Prices fall when supply increases and demand remains constant.
  • Prices fall when demand decreases and supply remains constant
  • Prices rise when supply decreases and demand remains constant
  • Prices rise when supply decreases and demand remains constant

Check the difference between demand and supply from the table below.

Particulars Demand Supply
Meaning The desire of the consumer to buy the product Supply refers to the service or commodity offered by the seller
Curve Downward Slope Upward Slope
Price Relationship Inversely Proportional Directly Proportional
Applicable to Consumers Sellers
Determinants Price of the commodity

Income of the consumer

Preference of the consumer

The demand for the commodity

Willingness to sell

Price of the commodity

Competitors available in the market

Equilibrium Point

The equilibrium point, also known as market clearing price or market equilibrium is a situation where the demand of the commodity and supply of the commodity intersects. At this point, both the buyers and sellers are satisfied and this represents the market equilibrium. Market equilibrium helps the business to stabilize and survive in the market for a longer course of time. Disequilibrium, which is when there is a difference in the demand and supply of the commodity affects the markets, the business entity, and the economy of the country.


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