Accurate blasting cost estimates are the foundation of competitive bids and profitable projects. Material prices, labor rates, abrasive consumption, equipment operating costs, and production speed all play a role—but without a clear calculation, it’s easy to underquote or overprice. Our Cost per Square Foot Calculator combines these factors to give you a realistic cost estimate for any abrasive blasting job. By breaking down expenses into abrasive use, labor hours, and equipment operation, this tool helps you price work confidently, control project margins, and identify where efficiency gains can lower costs.
Abrasive Cost Per Square Foot Calculator
COST PER SQUARE FOOT CALCULATOR
Estimate blasting cost/ft² with the “Navy formula”: A×B + A×C + (D+E)/X.
A = abrasive lbs/ft², B = $/lb, C = disposal $/lb, D = labor $/hr, E = equipment $/hr, X = ft²/hr.
Editable
lbs/ft²
$ / lb
$ / lb
$ / hr
$ / hr
ft² / hr
ft²
%
Formula: cost/ft² = A·B + A·C + (D + E) / X
Tip: A cheaper abrasive with high consumption or slow production can raise the total cost. Faster media or better equipment can lower labor share.
Cost per ft² (cost)
$1.40
Cost per m² (cost)
$15.07
Uses 1 m² = 10.7639 ft².
Total cost (area × cost/ft²)
$0.00
Bid price (with markup)
$0.00
Abrasive (A×B)
$0.40 / ft² · 29%
Disposal (A×C)
$0.20 / ft² · 14%
Labor (D/X)
$0.50 / ft² · 36%
Equipment (E/X)
$0.30 / ft² · 21%
Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on continuous production at the given rate. Real-world costs vary with mobilization, setup, access, weather, containment/ventilation, hazardous waste rules, QA/QC, and downtime. Adjust inputs accordingly. For lead or other hazardous coatings, disposal and environmental controls can dominate costs.