Wood & Paper Manufacturing worked example

Paper Trim Waste at 5.04% edge-trim waste rate: a worked example

This worked example runs the paper trim waste numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: 5.04% edge-trim waste rate instead of the typical 7%. Estimates the cost of paper lost to edge trim and converting waste plus baling and removal.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Paper consumed per run: 15,000 lbs (held at the documented default)
  • Paper cost per pound: 0.62 $/lb (held at the documented default)
  • Edge-trim waste rate: 5.04 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 7)
  • Baling and haul-off cost: 140 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Trim waste cost = paper weight x cost per pound x trim waste rate + haul-off cost.
  • Total paper trim waste cost works out to 609 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Paper trim waste cost per unit works out to 0.04 $ / piece at these inputs.
  • Variable paper trim waste cost works out to 469 $ at these inputs.
  • Fixed paper trim waste adder works out to 140 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where edge-trim waste rate sits at 7% and the headline result is 791 $, this scenario comes in 23.04% below the baseline at 609 $.
  • Use it when quoting jobs, evaluating roll-width optimization, or building a business case for trim-reduction equipment. 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 paper trim waste cost: 609 $ (headline result)
  • Paper trim waste cost per unit: 0.04 $ / piece
  • Variable paper trim waste cost: 469 $
  • Fixed paper trim waste adder: 140 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Paper Trim Waste calculator, set edge-trim waste rate to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.