Which of the following best describes 'demand' in business terms?

Demand refers to the quantity of a product or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various price levels within a given time frame. Therefore, describing demand as the volume of goods sold within a specific time frame accurately captures this concept. It highlights the relationship between consumer desire for a product and the actual sales figures, which can fluctuate based on factors like price changes, consumer preferences, and market conditions.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of business operations. The overall budget of a company pertains to financial planning and resource allocation but does not specifically convey consumer purchasing behavior. Total profits represent the financial outcome of sales minus costs but do not address the demand aspect directly. The range of products offered by competitors relates to market competition and product assortment but does not encompass consumer demand dynamics. Hence, choosing the volume of goods sold within a time frame succinctly defines demand in business terms.