Why use accepted area?

Only accepted output fulfills the job requirement. Dividing by gross area hides the cost of rework and first-pass losses in the unit cost.

Is overhead the same as profit?

No. Overhead allocates business cost, while profit or margin is added later in the quote margin calculator.

Where does masking labor go?

Include masking labor in the direct labor hours or in other direct cost, but never in both at the same time.

Can this compare contractors?

Yes, when scope, acceptance, inclusions and cost definitions are normalized to the same basis before comparison.

Abrasive Blasting, Shot Peening & Surface Prep calculator

Abrasive Blast Cost per Accepted Square Foot Calculator

Divide a transparent blast cost stack by first-pass accepted area instead of gross area. Enter labor hours and rate, other direct cost, overhead, gross area and the accepted share.

What this calculator does

Full blast job cost divided by first-pass accepted area rather than gross area or a weighted-cost preset.

Formula used

Labor cost = direct labor hours × loaded labor rate
Direct cost = labor cost + other direct cost
Total cost = direct cost × (1 + overhead % ÷ 100)
Cost per accepted ft² = total cost ÷ (gross area × first-pass yield % ÷ 100)

Inputs explained

Direct Labor Hours: Direct crew-hours charged to the blasting work package.
Loaded Labor Rate: Wage, burden and applicable labor cost per crew-hour.
Other Direct Cost: Media, energy, equipment, masking, disposal and other direct cost combined.
Overhead Applied to Direct Cost: Consistent overhead allocation rate for this estimate.
Gross Blasted Area: Total work area before the first-pass acceptance adjustment.
First-Pass Accepted Area: Share of gross area accepted without repeat work.

How to use the result

Best suited to job cost estimate, actual versus quote review, make or buy comparison.
Not a selling-price or margin calculator. Taxes, escalation and contingency are excluded unless entered as direct cost.

Common questions

Why use accepted area? Only accepted output fulfills the job requirement. Dividing by gross area hides the cost of rework and first-pass losses in the unit cost.
Is overhead the same as profit? No. Overhead allocates business cost, while profit or margin is added later in the quote margin calculator.
Where does masking labor go? Include masking labor in the direct labor hours or in other direct cost, but never in both at the same time.
Can this compare contractors? Yes, when scope, acceptance, inclusions and cost definitions are normalized to the same basis before comparison.

Last reviewed 2026-10-01.