Fixture, Gauge & Workholding Management calculator

Fixture Storage Cost Calculator

Estimate storage cost for inactive or active fixtures, gauges, pallets, tombstones, nests, soft jaws, and workholding kits. Use it when reviewing toolroom space, fixture racks, crib storage, obsolete fixtures, and carrying cost for low-use tooling.

What this calculator does

  • Estimate storage cost for inactive or active fixtures, gauges, pallets, tombstones, nests, soft jaws, and workholding kits.
  • Use it when reviewing toolroom space, fixture racks, crib storage, obsolete fixtures, and carrying cost for low-use tooling.
  • Estimates cost tied to storing fixtures, gauges, pallets, tombstones, jaws, nests, and inactive tooling.

Formula used

  • Variable fixture storage cost = fixtures or workholding sets stored × storage cost per set × stored tooling scope included
  • Total fixture storage cost = variable fixture storage cost + fixed rack, crib, move, or audit cost

Inputs explained

  • Fixtures or workholding sets stored: Use the fixture, jig, gauge, nest, pallet, setup, repair, or inspection-event count for the same scope.
  • Storage cost per set: Use the supplier quote, internal toolroom estimate, labor rate, material cost, or maintenance cost that matches the scope.
  • Stored tooling scope included: Use the share of jobs, setups, fixtures, gauges, or production volume where this cost applies.
  • Fixed rack, crib, move, or audit cost: Add design review, programming, calibration, tryout, shipping, storage, containment, or launch cost not captured per item.

How to use the result

  • Use it for 5S reviews, fixture rationalization, toolroom space planning, and decisions to retire, relocate, or standardize fixtures.
  • Use it for planning and quoting. Confirm detailed tool design, materials, heat treatment, metrology requirements, certification, shipping, taxes, and production qualification before releasing a purchase order or customer quote.

Common questions

  • What information do I need before using the Fixture Storage Cost? Use stored fixture count, carrying or storage cost per set, scope share, and fixed rack, move, crib, or inventory audit costs.
  • What does the result mean? It reports total cost for the entered fixture, gauge, jig, workholding, setup, or maintenance scope and normalizes the variable portion to the entered count.
  • When is the result only an estimate? It is an estimate when part mix, datum scheme, tolerance stack, clamp layout, operator method, inspection plan, gauge condition, calibration status, maintenance history, machine uptime, or production volume differs from the assumptions entered.
  • What decision can I make from the result? Use the cost to justify fixture retirement, better storage systems, barcode tracking, or conversion from dedicated fixtures to modular workholding.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.