Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Lot Size | Method | Sample Size | Labor Rate | Lab Cost | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000 | Fixed | 80 | $22/hr | $0.00 | $185.40 |
| 5,000 | Estimated (95%, ±3%, 2%) | 83 | $18/hr | $1.50/sample | $313.76 |
| 10,000 | Fixed | 200 | $30/hr | $0.75/sample | $785.20 |
Examples are illustrative and may not match your local rates.
Formula Used
Sample size (estimate) uses a defect-rate precision approach:
- n0 = (Z² × p × (1−p)) / E²
- n = n0 / (1 + (n0−1)/N) (finite population adjustment)
Labor hours are computed from setup, sampling, and reporting time:
- Labor minutes = Setup + Report + (n × TimePerSample)
- Labor cost = (Labor minutes / 60) × Rate × OvertimeMultiplier
Total cost sums direct costs, expected resampling, overhead, and contingency:
- Direct = Labor + Travel + Equipment + Misc + (n×Consumables) + (n×Lab) + Scrap
- Resampling = Direct × Resample%
- Overhead = (Labor + Consumables + Lab + Equipment) × Overhead%
- Total = (Direct + Resampling + Overhead) × (1 + Contingency%)
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the lot size and choose your sample size method.
- If estimating, provide defect rate, confidence level, and margin of error.
- Fill in labor, time, and any costs for travel, lab, and equipment.
- Add overhead, resampling, and contingency to match your process.
- Click estimate to see the total cost and breakdown.
- Download CSV or PDF for approvals and recordkeeping.