How to use this calculator
- Enter the installed quantity using one unit, such as square feet, linear feet, or blocks. Do not combine different quantity units.
- Enter total person-hours: add the time of every worker assigned to the measured work.
- Read the result as your chosen quantity unit per person-hour. Labor hours must be greater than zero.
- For comparable future work, divide planned quantity by the observed rate to estimate person-hours. Divide those hours by crew size to estimate elapsed working hours.
Formula and cost basis
Production rate = installed quantity ÷ total person-hours; planned person-hours = planned quantity ÷ production rate
Worked example
Two installers each work 8 hours and complete 800 square feet: total labor is 16 person-hours and productivity is 800 ÷ 16 = 50 square feet per person-hour. At that same rate, 1,200 square feet needs 24 person-hours, or 12 working hours for a two-person crew. At $45 per person-hour, that is $1,080 in labor cost.
Assumptions and common mistakes
- Using 8 elapsed crew hours instead of 16 person-hours in this example would double the reported rate. Record the time basis alongside every measurement.
- Keep setup, cleanup, travel, breaks, and rework treatment consistent when comparing jobs. Rates from different scopes are not directly comparable.
- A larger crew does not necessarily scale output proportionally. Access, congestion, material handling, and task sequence can change the rate. A zero output rate cannot be used to forecast duration.
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FAQ
What unit does the productivity result use?
It uses the quantity unit you entered per person-hour. Enter square feet to get square feet per person-hour, or blocks to get blocks per person-hour. The calculator does not convert between material units.
How do I convert productivity into job duration?
Divide planned quantity by a positive productivity rate to get person-hours, then divide by crew size for working hours. This assumes comparable conditions and proportional crew output; it does not schedule calendar days.
Is a higher productivity number always better?
Only compare the same unit, scope, quality standard, and labor-hour definition. A rate that omits setup or rework cannot be fairly compared with one that includes them.