CAM time
Use post-processor estimates; add contingency for tool changes.
Free quoting tool
FREE CNC Router Project Cost Estimator
Whether you are quoting a new CNC job for a customer or planning a personal project, this free estimator helps UK workshops understand the financial shape of a routing job before you commit to material or machine time.
Live estimator
CNC Project Cost Estimator
Take the guesswork out of your CNC projects. Estimate material, machine time, setup, tooling, labour, overhead, profit and VAT in one place — then print or share the breakdown for internal quotes.
Whether you’re a business looking to quote for a new CNC job or an individual working on a personal project, our cost estimator provides a fast and reliable way to understand the financial implications of your machining requirements in the UK.
Works on desktop and mobile — save or print your estimate from the results panel.
How it helps
What this tool does
Whether you are quoting a new CNC job for a customer or planning a personal project, this free estimator helps UK workshops understand the financial shape of a routing job before you commit to material or machine time.
Using the tool
Step-by-step
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Optional: name your project for printed estimates.
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Enter material type, unit cost and measurement unit.
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Add dimensions when using square metre, linear metre or cubic units.
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Set quantity and optional material waste %.
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Enter cutting time (hours + minutes) and hourly machine rate.
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Add setup, complex setup, tooling and optional labour.
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Set overhead %, profit % and VAT if required.
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Review the live breakdown — print when ready.
Sample calculation
Worked example
Inputs
- 4 × MDF sheets @ £42 · 10% waste
- 2 hr 30 min machine time @ £38/hr
- Setup £35 · Tooling £18 · Labour 1 hr @ £22
- Overhead 10% · Profit 18% · VAT 20%
Results
Parts per sheet ≈ £312 total inc. VAT (planning figure)
Material yield —
Planning accuracy
Tips for realistic quotes
Batch jobs
Amortise setup across quantity for repeat production.
Waste
Document scrap assumptions on customer-facing quotes.
Sheet jobs
Cross-check with the sheet yield calculator.
Common questions
FAQs
Does this replace a formal quotation?
Separate one-off setup from repeat run costs so repeat orders stay profitable.
How do I estimate cutting time?
Document waste assumptions on customer quotes — buyers understand scrap on nested sheet work.
What machine rate should I use?
Cross-check material usage with the sheet yield calculator for panel jobs.
Good practice for UK job costing
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Quote discipline
Keep overhead-then-profit order consistent across jobs.
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VAT display
Show ex-VAT and inc-VAT clearly for consumer work.
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Labour
Add when finishing happens outside the cut program.
When to add labour
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Import toolpaths into VCarve, Aspire or LightBurn where possible. For manual estimates, scale from similar past jobs or £/metre linear cut benchmarks.
Troubleshooting
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Too low? Verify mm units, waste % and batch setup allocation.
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Too high? Ensure machine rate is not duplicating labour costs.
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Print
Use browser print on the results panel for a paper copy.
More free tools
Whether you are quoting a new CNC job for a customer or planning a personal project, this free estimator helps UK workshops understand the financial shape of a routing job before you commit to material or machine time.
Material cost per unit: Your supplier price for one sheet, square metre, kilogram or unit — before waste.
Subtotal (Excluding VAT):
Total Estimated Cost:
Whether you’re a business looking to quote for a new CNC job or an individual working on a personal project, our cost estimator provides a fast and reliable way to understand the financial implications of your machining requirements in the UK.
How to Use the CNC Project Cost Estimator
This free tool helps you estimate the cost of your CNC machining projects. Simply fill in the details below to get an instant estimate.
Project Details (Optional):
Material Information:
Labour Costs (Optional):
VAT, Overhead & Profit:
Calculate Your Estimate:
View Your Cost Estimate:
To print this estimate, you can use your browser’s print function (usually found under the “File” menu or by pressing Ctrl + P on Windows or Cmd + P on Mac).
Important Disclaimer:
Please note that this CNC project cost estimator is provided by Mantech UK Ltd on an “as is” basis for guidance purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, Mantech UK Ltd shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising from the use of this tool or any errors in its calculations. This tool is intended for preliminary estimation and should not be relied upon as a definitive quotation. Users are advised to seek professional advice for precise costings.
Looking for other hints and tips for your CNC Router? If you’re in the market for a brand-new affordable CNC router, we can help.
CNC project costing
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