Concrete Cutting & Core Drilling Estimator
Concrete cutters usually price saw cutting by the inch-foot (depth × length) and coring by the inch-inch (diameter × depth). This estimator does both and lays out control joints for a new slab.
Concrete Cutting & Core Drilling Estimator — ConcreteNear.com
| Core drilling (diameter × depth, inch-inches) | 0 |
Cost estimate U.S. average prices
| Flat sawing 240 in·ft × $1.25 | $300.00 |
| Raise to minimum charge 0.33 job × $450.00 | $150.00 |
| Estimated total | $450.00 |
- Scan for rebar, post-tension cables and conduit (GPR) before cutting or coring structural or elevated slabs.
| Inputs | |
| Linear feet of cut | 60 ft |
| Cut depth | 4 in |
| Saw type | Flat / slab saw |
| Core holes | 0 |
| New slab length for joint layout (0 = skip) | 0 ft |
Planning estimate only — confirm with your supplier or contractor.
Prices used — edit any price to match your local quote
| Item | Unit price | Basis & source |
|---|---|---|
| Flat sawing (per inch of depth per linear foot) per in·ft | starting estimate Starting estimate. Sawing contractors often price by inch-foot. | |
| Cutting minimum charge per job | starting estimate Starting estimate; most cutters have a half-day or trip minimum. |
How to use this calculator
- Enter the length and depth of cuts and the saw type.
- Enter core holes, diameter and depth.
- Optionally enter a new slab's size to lay out control joints.
- Check the minimum charge line — small jobs often hit it.
Formulas
Inch-feet = linear feet × cut depth (in)Inch-inches = holes × diameter (in) × depth (in)Control joint spacing ≈ 2–3 × slab thickness (in), in feet (max 15 ft); depth = ¼ slab thickness
Questions
What is an inch-foot?
One foot of cut, one inch deep. A 20 ft cut 4 in deep is 80 inch-feet.
How far apart should control joints be?
A common rule is 2 to 3 times the slab thickness in inches, in feet — 8–12 ft for a 4 in slab, and no more than about 15 ft.
Why scan before coring?
To avoid cutting rebar, post-tension cables or live conduit. GPR scanning is cheap compared with the damage.
Sources & assumptions
Prices checked 2026-11-10. State pricing multiplies national figures by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (goods for materials, services for labor and services). RPPs compare general consumer price levels (U.S. = 100). They are not construction-specific; we use RPP Goods for materials and RPP Services: Other (excludes rents) for labor and services.
Starting estimates No public price series was found for: Flat sawing (per inch of depth per linear foot); Cutting minimum charge; Wall sawing (per inch of depth per linear foot); Core drilling (per inch diameter per inch depth). These defaults are editable placeholders — replace them with a local quote.
Results are planning estimates, not quotes or engineering advice. Codes, specifications and your supplier's numbers govern.
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