Laser Cutting Calculator

Laser cutting hourly rate calculator

Calculate your true machine hourly cost so you can quote profitably, based on the same logic used in Tempus Tools.

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How this calculator works

This calculator helps fabrication shops determine the true hourly cost of running a laser cutting machine.

1

Enter machine usage, efficiency, and operating hours

2

Add equipment value or lease costs

3

Include labor, rent, utilities, gas, and overheads

4

Apply an optional margin to see a charge-out rate

5

Receive a full breakdown of your estimated hourly rate

Please allow a few seconds for the calculator to load.
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1

How hard are you working your machine?

These figures set your expected cutting hours per year, the base every other cost in this calculator gets spread across.

2

How much is your machine costing you?

For each item, enter its value if you own it, or your monthly payment if you lease it, whichever applies. Leave the other field blank.

ItemValue (own)Monthly lease payment
Laser cutting machine $ $
Forklift $ $
Racking $ $
Compressor $ $
Other plant / equipment $ $
3

Let’s look at your other operational costs

Rent, labour, gas and electricity directly attributable to running the laser.

4

Indirect factory costs

Whole-factory overheads, then tell us what share of them should be allocated to the laser.

Operating expenses
HR, customer service & admin
Motor vehicle expenses
IT
General expenses
5

Margin

Do you want to apply a markup on top of this cost base?

Get your recommended hourly rate

Complete the steps above, then enter your email to receive your recommended rate and full cost breakdown.

Enter your email to receive your hourly rate
We’ll send your recommended rate and full cost breakdown to your inbox.

This rate is only half the story

A solid hourly rate is the foundation, but a complete quote also needs precise cut-time and material calculations. Tempus Tools combines all three automatically, so every quote your team sends is fast, consistent, and protects your margin.

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FAQs

What is a laser cutting hourly rate calculator?

A laser cutting hourly rate calculator helps fabrication shops estimate the true hourly cost of running a cutting machine by combining machine costs, labor, overheads, and efficiency into a single rate.

How does this calculator relate to laser cutting quoting software?

This calculator helps you establish a reliable base hourly rate. Many shops then use that rate inside laser cutting quoting software like Tempus Tools to produce faster, more consistent quotes at scale.

Can I save or share my hourly rate calculation?

Yes. You can enter your email to receive a full summary of your results, making it easier to review or share internally.

Is this enough to price jobs accurately on its own?

For a complete quote, you need to include precise material consumption and cut time calculations, plus pricing for secondary operations which can all be achieved through dedicated software such as Tempus Tools. It can also be helpful to make sure you are fully accounting for the costs of assist gas, and is best used alongside the Gas Cost Calculator.

Ready to use accurate cost data in your quoting software?

Use Tempus Tools to turn precise hourly rate and cost calculations into faster, more consistent, and more profitable quotes.

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