Your material details
This calculator estimates one material at a time. For multi-material products, calculate each material separately and add the totals together.
How material cost is calculated
The calculator starts with the quantity you expect to use, adds a wastage allowance, and then applies the unit cost.
Base Cost = Quantity × Unit Cost
Adjusted Quantity = Quantity × (1 + Wastage %)
Total Material Cost = Adjusted Quantity × Unit Cost
Material Cost per Finished Unit = Total Material Cost ÷ Finished Units
Worked example
If you need 10 units of a material at £5 each and allow 5% for wastage, the adjusted quantity is 10.5 units and the total material cost is £52.50. If that batch produces 20 finished items, the material cost per item is £2.63.
Frequently asked questions
What should I include in wastage?
Wastage can cover offcuts, breakage, spoilage, trimming, testing, damaged materials or normal production loss.
Can I use this for baking or food production?
Yes. Quantity can represent kilograms, litres, packs or any other unit as long as your unit cost uses the same basis.
Can I use this for construction or manufacturing?
Yes. It can be used for timber, metal, fabric, packaging, ingredients and many other material types.