CNC Machining worked example

Machining Cost Per Part with quoted or produced part quantity of 130 parts: a worked example

This worked example runs the machining cost per part numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: quoted or produced part quantity of 130 parts instead of the typical 250 parts. Estimate machined-part cost from batch quantity, variable cost per part, setup cost, and machining labor or overhead adders.

The inputs for this scenario

  • quoted or produced part quantity: 130 parts (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 250)
  • variable machining cost per part: 18.5 $ / part (held at the documented default)
  • setup, programming, and fixture cost: 650 $ (held at the documented default)
  • inspection, handling, and overhead adder: 275 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Total machining batch cost = quoted or produced part quantity × variable machining cost per part + setup, programming, and fixture cost + inspection, handling, and overhead adder.
  • total machining batch cost works out to 3,330 $ / part at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • machining cost per part works out to 25.62 $ / piece at these inputs.
  • variable machining run cost works out to 2,405 $ at these inputs.
  • setup, inspection, and overhead adders works out to 925 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where quoted or produced part quantity sits at 250 parts and the headline result is 5,550 $ / part, this scenario comes in 40% below the baseline at 3,330 $ / part.
  • Use it when quoting a job, setting a minimum order quantity, or explaining to a customer why small batches carry a higher unit price. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • total machining batch cost: 3,330 $ / part (headline result)
  • machining cost per part: 25.62 $ / piece
  • variable machining run cost: 2,405 $
  • setup, inspection, and overhead adders: 925 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Machining Cost Per Part calculator, set quoted or produced part quantity to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.