Do planning hours repeat for every article?

Only if your process requires that work again. This model treats the entered planning and reporting hours as shared package labor.

Can fixture costs be included?

Yes. Include the charge allocated to this package in fixed program cost, excluding any amount already covered by labor or overhead.

How should outside testing be entered?

Enter the total outside test charge for the package, including only invoices outside the other cost entries.

What if no articles are inspected?

Shared costs can still exist, but cost per article is undefined until you enter a positive article count.

Quality & Metrology calculator

First Article Inspection Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost of a first article inspection package. Enter article measurement labor, shared planning and reporting hours, the documented rate, and separate program or outside test charges.

What this calculator does

Cost first article measurement and shared report work using explicit labor and nonoverlapping outside charges.

Formula used

Total labor hours = articles × measurement hours per article + shared planning and reporting hours
Labor cost = total labor hours × loaded labor rate
Nonlabor cost = fixed program cost + external test charges
Total inspection cost = labor cost + nonlabor cost
Cost per article = total inspection cost ÷ articles

Inputs explained

First Article Parts: Distinct articles included in this inspection package.
Measurement Labor per Article: Observed measurement labor for one comparable article.
Loaded Inspection Labor Rate: Approved labor rate and its documented overhead scope.
Fixed Program Cost: One-time programming or fixture charge excluded from labor.
Shared Planning and Reporting Labor: Package planning and reporting labor outside per-article measurement.
External Test Charges: Outside laboratory invoices excluded from program and labor costs.

How to use the result

Best suited to first article quotation, inspection package budgeting.
The estimate excludes subsequent production inspection and unplanned corrective work. Cost does not establish first article acceptance.

Current U.S. benchmarks

U.S. manufacturing runs at 75.7% of capacity (Federal Reserve, Aug 2026). New factory orders are up 8.5% year over year (Census).

Common questions

Do planning hours repeat for every article? Only if your process requires that work again. This model treats the entered planning and reporting hours as shared package labor.
Can fixture costs be included? Yes. Include the charge allocated to this package in fixed program cost, excluding any amount already covered by labor or overhead.
How should outside testing be entered? Enter the total outside test charge for the package, including only invoices outside the other cost entries.
What if no articles are inspected? Shared costs can still exist, but cost per article is undefined until you enter a positive article count.

Last reviewed 2026-10-06.