What do points on the PPF boundary represent?

All points on the boundary are efficient. They represent different combinations that produce the maximum possible output with the available factors of production.

What do points inside the PPF boundary represent?

Points inside the boundary are inefficient as factors of production are not being fully utilised.

What do points outside the PPF boundary represent?

Points outside the boundary are unattainable with the available factors of production.

Are points on the PPF boundary productively efficient?

Yes, all points on the boundary are productively efficient. Productive efficiency is when we are producing the highest possible output with the available factors of production.

Are points on the PPF boundary allocatively efficient?

Not all points on the boundary are allocatively efficient. This depends on society's preferences.

What does an outward shift in the PPF represent?

An outward shift in the PPF shows long-run economic growth. This can be linked to supply-side policies.

Y12 Microeconomics Notes

Production Possibility Frontiers | A-Level Economics Notes

Jaisul Naik

05 Feb 2026 • 2 min read

These revision notes cover everything you need to know about Production Possibility Frontiers for A-Level Economics. They're designed for students studying AQA A-Level Economics, Edexcel A-Level Economics, and Edexcel International A-Level Economics. Written by Jaisul Naik, UCL Economics graduate and A-Level Economics tutor since 2017.

What are the four factors of production?

CELL

Capital - machinery

Enterprise - business owners/ ideas

Land - raw materials

Labour - workers

What does a production possibility frontier (PPF) show?

A PPF shows the combination of goods and services an economy can produce using its available factors of production. We assume they can produce just two types of goods and services in this economy.