Skip to content
    Economics A-Level

    Derived demand

    What Derived demand means in Economics A-Level, as defined for AQA.

    Definitions of Derived demand

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Derived demand in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    Firms only hire workers if the revenue generated by an additional worker exceeds their wage, so labour is demanded for the revenue it generates.
    AQA · The demand for labour, marginal productivity theory
    Labour demand is derived because the primary cause of a shift is a change in the demand for the final product.
    AQA · The demand for labour, marginal productivity theory
    Demand for the factors of production used to make a product, affected by changes in that product market.
    AQA · The interrelationship between markets
    The demand for a factor of production resulting from the demand for the final good it produces.
    AQA · The demand for labour, marginal productivity theory
    Happens when a factor is needed to produce something else, such as steel for cars.
    AQA · The interrelationship between markets

    Topics that use Derived demand

    Related terms

    Using Derived demand in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Economics questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Economics A-Level terms