A garment cost calculator estimates the cost required to produce one garment. This value is the foundation for pricing, margin analysis, break-even planning, and minimum order quantity decisions.
In apparel manufacturing, cost per garment depends on five main components: fabric, labor, trims, packaging, and factory overhead.
Key inputs for garment cost calculation
To calculate garment cost using a calculator, you need to define the main production inputs: fabric, labor, trims, packaging, and factory overhead.
This formula gives the factory production cost per garment before adding commercial costs such as freight, duties, commissions, or retail margins.
For a more detailed explanation of the formulas and costing logic, see the garment production cost method.
Example: calculator inputs for a basic garment
Suppose you are producing a basic cotton t-shirt in the United States or importing from overseas. You might have the following realistic inputs:
- Fabric consumption: 1.6 yards per garment
- Fabric price: $3.20 per yard
- Labor cost: $2.40 per garment
- Trims (labels, thread): $0.55
- Packaging: $0.35
- Factory overhead: $1.10 per garment
In this example, the estimated production cost is $9.52 per garment.
Main cost components used in the calculator
- Fabric: usually the largest cost component
- Labor: sewing, cutting, finishing
- Trims: labels, zippers, buttons
- Packaging: polybags, cartons, hangtags
- Overhead: factory indirect costs
Common input mistakes in garment cost calculation
- Ignoring fabric waste or marker efficiency
- Forgetting trims and packaging
- Underestimating labor cost
- Not including factory overhead
- Mixing fixed costs with per-unit costs
Calculate garment cost instantly
Use the Production Cost Calculator to estimate cost per garment with your own inputs.