Cut time, machine cost and material cost for a plasma cutting job — set material, thickness, cut length and machine rate.
Cutting speed scales with thickness relative to a 12mm reference figure for each material: speed = reference speed × (12 ÷ thickness), matching the rule that doubling thickness roughly halves speed. Plasma's reference speeds are higher than laser's on thicker mild steel, which is why plasma is usually the fastest and cheapest option for heavier structural work. Cut time per part is travel time (cut length ÷ speed) plus pierce time — see the pierce time guide for why hole-heavy parts take longer.
Job weight uses part area × thickness × material density, and material cost multiplies that by your price per kg — see the metal sheet weight & density guide. Machine cost is total job time × your hourly rate. For laser or waterjet instead, see the laser cost calculator or waterjet cost calculator, or compare all three in the process comparison guide.