Podcast Episode Cost Calculator

What is this podcast episode cost calculator?

Podcast episode cost combines the staff time spent recording with editing and other production effort. It applies one blended hourly cost and adds external expenses. Multiple staff in the recording session each contribute their own person-hours.

How to use the calculator

Enter the recorded duration and staff attending. Estimate editing hours per recorded hour from comparable episodes. Add preparation and publishing effort outside the recording and editing estimates, then enter labor cost and external expenses.

Check the input assumptions

Review the help text beneath each field before calculating. Enter amounts in US dollars where shown and use consistent units. Change one assumption at a time to understand which inputs affect your result.

Formula and worked example

Example calculation

A 60-minute recording with two staff uses two person-hours. Three editing hours and two other production hours bring the total to seven. At $50 per hour plus $100 expenses, the episode costs $450 in this model.

These numbers illustrate the calculation; they are not recommended rates or industry benchmarks.

How to interpret your result

Use the breakdown to discuss the production scope and effort drivers. The result values resources; staff already on salary may not create a new cash payment for each episode.

What the estimate leaves out

This tool does not forecast audience size, sponsorship income, or return on investment. A blended rate can hide different costs for specialist tasks.

Frequently asked questions