# Cost Categories

_LOFT Resource › Materials_

## Overview

Cost Categories let you define and track non-labor costs such as software licenses, hardware, subscriptions, and other project expenses. These costs can be included in project budgets and cost reports alongside labor costs.

## Managing Categories

-   Create custom cost categories to match your organization's expense types
-   Assign costs to specific projects or across the organization
-   Set recurring vs. one-time costs
-   View category breakdowns in cost reports

## Integration with Cost Reports

Cost categories appear alongside labor costs in the Role Planner's cost mode and in the dedicated Cost Report. This gives you a complete picture of total project costs, not just headcount expenses.