What does consumer surplus measure?

Consumer surplus measures the difference between the price that consumers are willing to pay for a good or service and the actual market price they end up paying. It represents the additional benefit or value that consumers receive because they purchase a product for less than the maximum price they are willing to pay. This concept is vital in understanding consumer behavior and market efficiency, as it illustrates how consumers benefit from market transactions.

When consumers pay a lower price than what they were prepared to pay, they experience savings which contribute to consumer surplus. It essentially quantifies the economic advantage that consumers receive, making it a crucial indicator for economists in assessing the welfare of consumers within a market.

Other options do not capture the essence of consumer surplus. Total consumer expenditure pertains to how much is spent, rather than the value obtained. The cumulative amount saved by consumers over time suggests a long-term perspective that doesn't align with the definition of consumer surplus as it pertains to individual market transactions. Overall satisfaction derived from a product indicates qualitative experiences rather than the quantitative monetary benefits reflected in consumer surplus.