Skip to main content
Calcimator

Package Testing Cost Calculator

ISTA/ASTM testing costs for package qualification.

Inputs

Results

Total Testing Cost ($)

$5,100.00

≈ 5 smartphones

Base Test Cost ($)$3,500.00
Sample Costs ($)$1,600.00
Hazmat Testing ($)$0.00
Temperature Testing ($)$0.00
Cost per Unit ($)$0.50
Timeline (weeks)4
Vibration Cost1,200%
Compression Cost$500.00
Drop Test Cost$800.00
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the distribution environment category (parcel, LTL, air freight) and fragility level (G).
  2. Enter number of test samples required and testing lab day rate ($).
  3. Read estimated ISTA or ASTM testing cost and total project budget for test series.
  4. Review required test protocols: drop, vibration, compression, and climate conditioning.
  5. Budget for 2-3 test iterations when developing new packaging for a new product.

How the result changes with Test Samples

Test SamplesTotal Testing Cost ($)
5.9$5,500.00
18$10,300.00
33$16,300.00
45$21,100.00

What each input means

Test Level (1-3)
1=ISTA 1A (basic), 2=ISTA 2A/3A (general), 3=ISTA 3B/6 (comprehensive).
Test Samples
Number of package specimens to test.
Hazmat? (0/1)
1 = DOT/UN hazmat packaging certification needed.
Temperature Test? (0/1)
1 = thermal conditioning/cycling required.
Product Value ($)
Per-unit product value for cost-per-unit calculation.

What each result means

Total Testing Cost ($)
Complete package testing budget.
Base Test Cost ($)
Core ISTA/ASTM test protocol cost.
Sample Costs ($)
Additional specimen testing fees.
Hazmat Testing ($)
DOT/UN certification testing.
Temperature Testing ($)
Thermal conditioning cost.
Cost per Unit ($)
Testing cost amortized over expected volume.
Timeline (weeks)
Expected testing completion time.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Test Level (1-3) = 2, Test Samples = 5, Hazmat? (0/1) = 0, Temperature Test? (0/1) = 0 = 5 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Total Testing Cost
    Total Testing Cost = baseCost + sampleCost + hazmatCost + tempTestCost
    5100 = $5,100
  3. Calculate Base Test Cost
    3500 = $3,500
  4. Calculate Sample Costs
    Sample Costs = (packageCount - 1) * perSampleCost
    1600 = $1,600

Related Calculators

The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.

Package Design

Package Structural Design Calculator

Box compression strength and stacking limits from corrugated specs.

Package Design

Shelf Impact Score Calculator

Composite visual impact score for retail shelf presence.

Waterproofing

Water Infiltration Testing Calculator

Test procedure from wall type and ASTM standard.

Package Design

Dieline Calculator

Flat die-cut pattern from 3D package dimensions.

More in Manufacturing, Industrial & Coatings.