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FORMWORK · FIELD TOOL

Formwork Cost Calculator

Formwork cost = material (per set, spread over its reuses) + labour and consumables (every use). 100 m² of forms used for 10 pours, 5 uses per set, at 30 per m² material, 12 labour and 2 consumables, costs 20,600 in total: 20.60 per m² poured, with labour 58% of it.

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Behind this panel: an example with the default sizes.

Inputs

Results update as you type.

Work
m²
%
Rates (your currency)
/m²
/m²
/m²
Total 20,600Total 20,600Material (2 sets)6,600 32%Labour12,000 58%Consumables2,000 10%myconstructioncalculator.com
Diagram updates as you type.

Results

Check the working before you order.

Total formwork cost
20,600
Cost per m² poured20.60
Material (2 sets)6,600 32%
Labour12,000 58%
Consumables2,000 10%

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Working
  1. Sets = ⌈10 pours ÷ 5 uses⌉ = 2
  2. Material = 2 × 100 m² × 1.10 × 30.00 = 6,600
  3. Labour = 100 × 10 × 12.00 = 12,000
  4. Consumables = 100 × 10 × 2.00 = 2,000
  5. Per m² poured = 20,600 ÷ (100 × 10) = 20.60
Results are estimates for planning and material ordering only. They are not a substitute for structural design or approval by a qualified engineer. Read the full disclaimer.
Formulas


Sets          = ⌈pours ÷ uses per set⌉
Material      = sets × area × (1 + waste %) × material rate
Labour        = area × pours × labour rate
Consumables   = area × pours × consumables rate
Cost per m²   = total ÷ (area × pours)


Worked Example


100 m² contact area, 10 pours, 5 uses per set, material 30/m², labour 12/m², consumables 2/m², 10% waste:


    

  1. Sets = ⌈10 ÷ 5⌉ = 2
    2. 

  2. Material = 2 × 100 × 1.1 × 30 = 6,600 (32%)
    3. 

  3. Labour = 100 × 10 × 12 = 12,000 (58%)
    4. 

  4. Consumables = 100 × 10 × 2 = 2,000 (10%)
    5. 

  5. Total = 20,600 → 20.60 per m² poured
    6. 



Material Cost per Use as Reuse Rises (material 30/m², 10% waste)






Uses per set
Material cost per m² per use






1
33.00




3
11.00




5
6.60




10
3.30






Assumptions


    

  • Rates are yours; the defaults are placeholders, not market prices.
    • 

  • Cranage, scaffolding, props hire and supervision are not included unless you add them to the rates.
    • 



Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate formwork cost per square metre?
Add the material cost of each set (spread over the number of times it is used), plus labour to erect and strip, plus consumables for each use. Divide the total by the area poured (contact area × number of pours).
Why does reuse matter so much?
Material is bought once per set but used many times, so its cost per use falls quickly. Labour is paid on every use, so on repetitive work it is usually the biggest part of formwork cost.
Which currency does it use?
Any. Enter your rates in your own currency and the results come out in the same currency.
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