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Material Cost Calculator

Work out what materials will cost — up to five lines of quantity times price, with wastage and tax, from your own prices.

Materials are quantity times price, five lines at a time — plus the wastage and tax that most estimates forget. This calculator is that arithmetic, with your prices.

All prices are entered by you. This site publishes no construction prices, and results are estimates, not guaranteed quotes.

Quantity of the first material.
Price per unit of the first material.
Quantity of the second material.
Price per unit of the second material.
Quantity of the third material.
Price per unit of the third material.
Leave blank if not needed.
Leave blank if not needed.
Leave blank if not needed.
Leave blank if not needed.
Cutting and breakage allowance — 10% is normal.
Your local sales tax or VAT rate.

Formula

line total = quantity × unit price subtotal = sum of line totals waste amount = subtotal × waste% ÷ 100 tax = (subtotal + waste amount) × tax% ÷ 100 total = subtotal + waste amount + tax All quantities and prices are user-entered. This site publishes no prices.

All lengths are converted to a single unit before the calculation: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft² = 0.09290304 m², 1 yd² = 9 ft². Material quantities are rounded up — you cannot buy part of a tile, plank or bag.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter each material's quantity and unit price (up to 5 lines).
  2. Set the wastage allowance.
  3. Enter your local tax rate.
  4. Read the subtotal, waste, tax and total.

Worked example

Materials10 × $25 + 5 × $40 + 20 × $10 = $250 + $200 + $200 = $650
Wastage (10%)$65
Tax (8%)($650 + $65) × 0.08 = $57.20
Total$650 + $65 + $57.20 = $772.20

Check it by hand: every step above uses the formula in the box. If your numbers match the example inputs but the calculator gives a different answer, please report it via the contact page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I price materials I have not bought yet?

From supplier quotes or price lists — enter the quantity and the unit price for each line. This calculator does the arithmetic; it does not supply prices.

What wastage should I allow for materials?

10% is normal for most materials. Tiles and pavers need 10–15% for cuts; timber needs 10%; paint needs almost none. Set the figure for your materials.

Can I use this for more than 5 materials?

Five lines cover most small jobs. For a bigger job, group materials (e.g. 'all timber', 'all fixings') or run the calculator twice and add the totals.

Are these figures a quote?

No. They are estimates built from your own numbers — not guaranteed quotes. Supplier prices change, so confirm before ordering.

Related calculators

Estimates only. Results are for planning. Measure twice, confirm box coverage and tile sizes on the packaging you buy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. See the disclaimer.