Labor Calculator
Turn a quantity and a daily output rate into crew size or duration — the single equation that settles the "how many men do we need" argument on a site.
Calculator
How the calculation works
Duration in days = quantity divided by (daily output per worker x crew size). Indicative outputs per worker per day: plastering 16-20 m2, blockwork 8-12 m2, tiling 8-12 m2, painting 35-50 m2, steel fixing 120-160 kg. Run it in reverse to size a crew against a fixed date.
Frequently asked questions
Why do output rates differ so much between projects?
Work-front readiness, design repetition, crew experience and weather. Log your own actual outputs — your records are a far better source than any published table.
Can I use it in reverse to size a crew?
Yes. Fix the target duration and solve for the crew: quantity divided by (daily output x days available), then round up and check the work front can hold that many men.
Does the result include supervision and helpers?
No, it counts productive tradesmen only. Foremen, helpers and safety staff are indirect cost and should be loaded onto the activity as a separate line.
How do I turn man-days into a labour cost?
Multiply total man-days by the fully loaded daily rate — wage plus accommodation, transport, insurance and government fees — not by the basic wage alone.
Need a whole bill of quantities priced, not one material?
Upload your BOQ and get every line priced at Saudi market rates in minutes — VAT and all.
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This calculator is also available in Arabic: حاسبة العمالة.