Growth accounting

Growth accounting consists of a set of calculations resulting in a measure of output growth, a measure of input growth, and their difference, most commonly referred to as total factor productivity (TFP) growth. It can be performed at the level of the plant, firm, industry, or aggregate economy. This article discusses the theoretical interpretation of the growth-accounting exercise, problems of measurement, and main empirical results. It concludes with a (very selective) history of the field.