• The output gap is the difference between an economy’s actual output and its maximum potential output, expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product.

  • The output gap is a comparison between actual GDP (output) and potential GDP (output at maximum efficiency).
  • A positive or negative output gap is an unfavorable indicator of an economy’s performance.
  • Policy makers often use the output gap to determine inflationary pressures so they can make policy decisions.
  • Although it is an important economic indicator, the output gap is not always reliable because potential output needs to be estimated.