Material Cost to Benefit Ratio Calculator
Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of construction materials by comparing their costs to benefits (e.g., strength). Supports multiple unit systems including metric (USD/m³, MPa; USD/tonne, kPa) and imperial (USD/ft³, psi; USD/ton, ksi).
Material 1
Result
Detailed Steps
Cost-to-Benefit Ratio Comparison
Formula
Material Cost to Benefit Ratio Calculation
Total cost is calculated as:
Cost-to-Benefit Ratio is calculated as:
Economic viability:
Notes:
- Unit systems:
- Metric: USD/m³, MPa, m³ or USD/tonne, kPa, tonnes
- Imperial: USD/ft³, psi, ft³ or USD/ton, ksi, yd³
- Typical values:
- Concrete: ~100–150 USD/m³, 20–40 MPa
- Reinforced Concrete: ~150–200 USD/m³, 30–50 MPa
- Steel: ~2000–3000 USD/m³, 250–500 MPa
- Aluminum: ~4000–6000 USD/m³, 200–300 MPa
- Timber: ~400–600 USD/m³, 10–20 MPa
- Brick: ~300–500 USD/m³, 10–20 MPa
- Custom benefit metrics can be used (e.g., durability score).
How to Use the Material Cost to Benefit Ratio Calculator
- Select the unit system (e.g., Metric USD/m³, MPa or Imperial USD/ton, ksi).
- For each material, choose the type (e.g., Concrete, Steel) or Custom, then enter unit cost, benefit metric (e.g., strength), and quantity.
- Add more materials as needed using the “Add Material” button.
- Choose your preferred display mode (Standard, Step by Step, or Chart).
- Click the “Calculate” button.
- View the results, including total cost, cost-to-benefit ratio, comparison table, and a bar chart of ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Material Cost to Benefit Ratio?
It’s a measure of a material’s cost-effectiveness, calculated as the total cost divided by a benefit metric (e.g., compressive strength). Lower ratios indicate better value.
What is a benefit metric?
A benefit metric quantifies a material’s performance, such as compressive strength (MPa, kPa, psi, ksi), durability, or a custom score relevant to the project.
How do I interpret the ratio?
A lower ratio means the material provides more benefit per dollar spent, making it more cost-effective.
Why use different unit systems?
Different unit systems (e.g., USD/tonne, kPa or USD/ton, ksi) accommodate regional practices and material pricing methods (volume vs. weight).
What are typical material costs?
Concrete: ~100–150 USD/m³ or ~200–300 USD/tonne; Steel: ~2000–3000 USD/m³ or ~250–400 USD/tonne; Aluminum: ~4000–6000 USD/m³ or ~1500–2200 USD/tonne. Costs vary by region.