Chemical Cost Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Chemical Name

Use a label matching your BOQ or supplier quote.

Basis

Choose how work quantity is measured.

Currency

Used for all cost outputs.

Project Quantity (m²)

Total area or volume to be treated.

Application Rate (L/m²)

Mixed solution used per unit of work.

Number of Coats

Multiple passes increase total consumption.

Waste / Loss (%)

Covers spillage, rework, and residuals.

Dilution Ratio (Water Parts)

Example: 4 for a 4:1 mix.

Dilution Ratio (Chemical Parts)

Example: 1 for a 4:1 mix.

Concentrate Unit

Use the unit shown on supplier packaging.

Unit Price (per L)

Price for concentrate, excluding tax.

Package Size (L per container)

Used to round purchases to full packages.

Shipping (flat)

Handling (flat)

PPE Allowance (flat)

Disposal / Cleanup (flat)

Labor Hours

Labor Rate (per hour)

Tax (%)

Applied to subtotal for a clear estimate.

Tip: enter the application rate as mixed solution usage per m² or m³.

Example Data Table

Scenario	Project Qty	App Rate	Coats	Dilution	Unit Price	Package	Waste	Typical Use
Surface curing compound	500 m²	0.25 L/m²	2	4:1	4.80 / L	20 L	7%	Concrete curing on slabs and pavements
Waterproofing additive	120 m³	0.80 kg/m³	1	0:1	3.40 / kg	25 kg	5%	Integral waterproofing for mixes and grouts
Form-release agent	900 m²	0.10 L/m²	1	2:1	2.20 / L	10 L	10%	Reusable formwork systems and shuttering

Adjust rates using supplier data sheets and method statements.

Formula Used

Base mixed solution = Project Quantity × Application Rate × Coats
Required mixed solution = Base mixed solution × (1 + Waste% / 100)
Concentrate needed = Required mixed solution × (Chemical Parts / (Water Parts + Chemical Parts))
Water needed = Required mixed solution − Concentrate needed

Packages needed = ceil(Concentrate needed / Package size)
Purchased quantity = Packages needed × Package size
Material cost = Purchased quantity × Unit price
Grand total = (Subtotal + Tax)

Costs are rounded to full packages to reflect actual purchasing.

How to Use This Calculator

Select Area or Volume to match your BOQ.
Enter the project quantity and the application rate for mixed solution.
Set coats and a realistic waste percentage.
Enter the dilution ratio using water and chemical parts.
Provide unit price and package size from supplier quotes.
Add shipping, handling, PPE, disposal, and labor.
Press Calculate Cost to view totals above the form.
Use Download CSV or Download PDF to share results.

Scope definition and measurement basis

Start by locking the measurement basis: area for surface treatments and volume for mix additives. The basis must match the BOQ, method statement, and the supplier’s quoted unit, or the estimate becomes misleading. Separate water needs from concentrate so logistics and storage planning stay clear.

Consumption drivers and application rate control

Application rate drives consumption because it scales with quantity and coats. Use product guidance, then validate with a site trial that measures coverage on the real substrate. Equipment choice also matters: a controlled sprayer often reduces losses compared with manual tools on large pours. Document the final rate with date, crew, and weather to improve future estimates.

Dilution and procurement reality

Concentrate products are commonly mixed on site. The dilution ratio converts mixed-solution demand into concentrate required, then procurement is rounded to full packages. This prevents shortfalls caused by unbuyable fractions and highlights any overbuy you can carry into the next phase. Tracking purchased quantity against issued quantity supports cost control and early variance alerts.

Allowances for losses, labor, and compliance

Waste covers spillage, residuals in hoses, rework, and partially used containers. Add handling, PPE, and disposal to reflect safe operations and compliance costs. Labor hours and rate capture mixing, transport to work fronts, application time, and cleanup.

Example data for a defensible estimate

Example inputs: 500 m² area, 0.25 L/m² rate, 2 coats, 7% waste, dilution 4:1, unit price 4.80 per L, package size 20 L, shipping 35, handling 20, PPE 15, disposal 10, labor 3 hours at 18 per hour, and 5% tax. These values show how packaging and allowances influence the final unit rate.

Basis: Area (m²) • Unit: L • Dilution: 4:1
Rates: 0.25 L/m² × 2 coats • Waste: 7%
Commercial: 4.80/L • 20 L package • 5% tax

FAQs

1) What should I enter as the application rate?

Enter mixed-solution usage per m² or m³ for one coat. Use supplier guidance, then refine with a site trial and measured coverage to match your equipment and surface condition.

2) How does the dilution ratio affect concentrate quantity?

The calculator converts required mixed solution into concentrate using chemical parts divided by total parts. Higher dilution lowers concentrate needed, but confirm performance limits from the product data sheet.

3) Why does purchased quantity exceed concentrate needed?

Purchasing is rounded up to full packages using the package size. This reflects real procurement and prevents shortages caused by partial-container limitations and delivery lead times.

4) What waste percentage is reasonable on site?

Typical allowances range from 3% to 12%, depending on access, batching control, weather, and rework risk. Use historical site records and adjust after the first production run.

5) Does the tool include labor and safety costs?

Yes. You can add labor hours and rate, plus flat allowances for handling, PPE, and disposal. This supports a more complete job cost rather than only material pricing.

6) Can I use this for admixtures added to concrete?

Yes. Choose volume basis (m³), enter a dosage rate per m³, set coats to 1, and use dilution parts if pre-mixing is required. Confirm dosage compatibility with the mix design.

7) How do I share outputs with my team?

After calculating, use Download CSV for spreadsheets and approvals, or Download PDF to capture the summary panel for site briefings, procurement requests, and tender documentation.