| Scenario | Samples | Included tests | Labor hours | Overhead | Estimated total (illustrative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline geotech package | 20 | Moisture, Atterberg, Sieve, Proctor | 6 | 12% | USD 2,000.00 |
| Expanded validation | 35 | Baseline + CBR + UCS | 10 | 15% | USD 5,100.00 |
| Fast-track delivery | 15 | Moisture, Atterberg, Sieve | 5 | 12% | USD 1,450.00 |
- Test Total = Σ(Selected test unit cost × Samples) + Σ(Custom qty × Custom unit cost)
- Direct Subtotal = Test Total + Labor (Hours×Rate) + Equipment (Days×Rate) + Travel + Reporting
- Consumables = Direct Subtotal × Consumables%
- Overhead = (Direct Subtotal + Consumables) × Overhead%
- Contingency = (Direct Subtotal + Consumables + Overhead) × Contingency%
- Retesting = (Test-only total) × Retesting%
- Pre-tax = Direct Subtotal + Consumables + Overhead + Contingency + Retesting
- Tax base = Pre-tax + Rush% − Discount%
- Grand Total = Tax base + (Tax base × Tax%)
- Choose your currency and enter the number of samples.
- Select the lab tests you need and edit their unit rates.
- Add custom line items for special services or certifications.
- Enter labor, equipment, travel, and reporting values.
- Apply consumables, overhead, contingency, and retesting allowances.
- Set rush, discount, and tax if required by your contract.
- Click Submit to see the result above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF for sharing.
Scope and Inputs
PLM lab costing links field sampling to defensible construction decisions. This calculator builds estimates from selected tests, sample counts, and operational inputs. Use it when planning geotechnical, asphalt, or materials verification programs. By pricing each test per sample, you can align scope with project risk, schedule, and acceptance criteria. It supports owner reviews and routine quality audits. Clarifies assumptions during budgeting and procurement.
Unit Rate Scaling
The unit rate model scales cleanly: each selected test multiplies by sample quantity, then adds any custom services. If you double samples, test totals generally double, while fixed items like reporting may remain constant. Labor and equipment can scale independently using hours and days. Track fixed and variable costs. Use scenario copies to compare adding CBR or UCS without retyping values.
Overhead and Allowances
Indirect cost controls matter as much as test pricing. Consumables apply to the direct subtotal to cover reagents, molds, and disposables. Overhead applies after consumables, reflecting supervision, calibration, utilities, and administration. Contingency then captures uncertainty or minor scope growth. Retesting allowance is applied to the test only total, useful when you expect repeat runs due to moisture variation or borderline results.
Rush Discount Tax
Commercial adjustments convert engineering scope into a client ready number. Rush percentage raises the pre tax total for accelerated turnaround, overtime, or priority queueing. Discount percentage reduces the same base for framework agreements or volume work. Tax is calculated on the adjusted base so the final amount matches invoicing conventions. Keep these levers separate from technical costs to avoid hiding schedule premiums inside unit rates.
Reporting and Exports
Deliverables influence value beyond raw testing. Reporting fees can represent data checks, chain of custody handling, and summary tables needed for submittals. The calculator stores the last run and offers CSV and PDF exports for review. CSV preserves line items and quantities for audit trails, while the PDF provides a compact summary for emails. Exports help standardize internal estimating templates. Ideal for multi site programs.
FAQs
What costs are included in the estimate?
The estimate combines selected test pricing per sample, custom services, labor, equipment, travel, and reporting. It then applies consumables, overhead, contingency, and a retesting allowance, plus optional rush, discount, and tax.
How does the calculator apply sample quantities?
Each enabled standard test uses the sample count as its quantity. Custom items use their own quantity and unit cost, so you can model third party tests or certifications separately.
When should I add a retesting allowance?
Use a retesting percentage when repeat runs are likely due to variability, moisture sensitivity, or borderline acceptance limits. It adds a controlled buffer based on the test only total.
What is the difference between consumables and overhead?
Consumables cover materials used during testing, such as reagents and molds. Overhead represents indirect operations, including supervision, utilities, calibration, and administration, applied after consumables.
Why are there two export formats?
CSV exports the full set of line items, quantities, and unit costs for review and auditing. PDF exports a compact summary that is easier to share in emails and meetings.
Can I compare multiple scenarios quickly?
Yes. Run the calculator again with different scopes or rates. The most recent result is saved for export, letting you download updated CSV or PDF files after each submission.