Material Cost Calculator
Add your materials list below, then calculate the total cost including wastage and discounts.
Guided Mode (DIY-friendly)
Build your material list first, then add allowances, then review and calculate.
Materials
Allowances
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Add Material Item
CACalifornia Building Code (Title 24)
References & Sources
Standards Cited
- RSMeans — RSMeans Data — Construction Material Cost Estimating
Provides standardised methods for pricing construction materials in North America, including wastage allowances and quantity takeoff practices - AACE International — AACE International Recommended Practices for Cost Estimating
Defines material cost estimating classifications and methodologies for North American construction projects
Formulas Used
- Line Total:
lineTotal = quantity x unitPrice
Source: Standard accounting - Wastage Amount:
wastage = subtotal x (wastagePercent / 100)
Source: RSMeans / AACE International — Default 10% wastage is a standard industry allowance for construction materials - Discount Amount:
discount = (subtotal + wastage) x (discountPercent / 100)
Source: Standard accounting - Total Cost:
total = subtotal + wastage - discount
Source: Standard accounting - Unit Price:
unitPrice = totalCost / quantity
Source: Standard accounting
Key Assumptions
- Default 10% wastage allowance for construction materials — RSMeans estimating guidelines / Industry standard practice
- Discount is applied after wastage addition (on the gross amount) — Standard industry pricing convention