Enter the total cost ($) and the number of lines of code into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Cost Per Line of Code. 

Cost Per Line of Code Formula

CPLC   = TC / LC

Variables:

  • CPLC is the Cost Per Line of Code ($/line)
  • TC is the total cost ($)
  • LC is the number of lines of code

To calculate Cost Per Line of Code, divide the total cost of the work by the number of lines of code.

How to Calculate Cost Per Line of Code?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Cost Per Line of Code.

  1. First, determine the total cost ($). 
  2. Next, determine the number of lines of code. 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = CPLC = TC / LC.
  4. Finally, calculate the Cost Per Line of Code.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

total cost ($) = 5,000

number of lines of code = 150

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What factors can affect the Cost Per Line of Code?

Several factors can affect the Cost Per Line of Code, including the complexity of the code, the experience level of the programmers, the programming language used, and the development environment. Projects requiring specialized knowledge or advanced programming skills may also have a higher Cost Per Line of Code.

Is a lower Cost Per Line of Code always better?

Not necessarily. While a lower Cost Per Line of Code can indicate efficiency and cost-effectiveness, it is not the sole indicator of a project’s success or quality. Other factors, such as code maintainability, scalability, and performance, are also crucial considerations.

How does the choice of programming language affect the Cost Per Line of Code?

The choice of programming language can significantly impact the Cost Per Line of Code because different languages have varying levels of verbosity and complexity. Languages designed for rapid development or with higher-level abstractions might require fewer lines of code to accomplish the same task, potentially lowering the cost.

Can the Cost Per Line of Code metric be used to estimate the total cost of a software project?

While the Cost Per Line of Code can provide insights into certain aspects of project costing, relying solely on this metric to estimate the total cost of a software project is not advisable. Comprehensive cost estimation should consider additional factors such as project scope, complexity, team expertise, and potential risks.