Packaging Cost Calculator
A packaging unit cost is the material cost (area × grammage × price per kg, incl. waste) plus per-unit extras (printing, cutting, labour), converted to a selling price with margin. Unit price = (variable cost) ÷ (1 − margin).
Cost formula
Unit price = (area × grammage × price/kg × (1+waste) + extra) ÷ (1 − margin)
Worked example
For 0.45 m² blank area, 350 g/m² bristol, price 40 per kg and 8% waste: material = 0.45 × 0.350 × 40 × 1.08 ≈ 6.80. With 4 extra per unit and 20% margin: unit price = (6.80 + 4) ÷ 0.80 ≈ 13.50.
Calculator
Enter area, grammage and price per kg.
Extra cost = per-unit items such as printing, cutting, tooling share and labour.
Frequently asked questions
How is packaging cost calculated?
First material cost = blank area (m²) × grammage (kg/m²) × price per kg with a waste multiplier; then add per-unit printing, cutting, tooling share and labour; divide total variable cost by (1 − margin) for the unit selling price.
How do I find the blank area?
The blank area is the m² the box covers when unfolded, including panels and glue flaps. Use the die-line for an exact value or approximate it from width × length.
What waste rate should I use?
Typically 5-10% for corrugated boxes and 3-8% for folding cartons, driven by die-cut complexity and how well the order width fits the material.
Margin vs markup — what's the difference?
Markup is added on top of cost; margin is the profit share within the price. A 25% markup leaves ~20% margin. This tool is margin-based: unit price = cost ÷ (1 − margin).