Ore Factory Squad Production Calculator

What This Calculator Does

The Ore Factory Squad production calculator on this wiki estimates profit from processing Copper, Iron, Gold, and Diamond through crushers and smelters before you commit conveyor lines and machine purchases. Enter ore type, quantity, and processing level to compare margin against raw contract sales — critical when Gold smelters tie up belts needed for Iron deadline work.

Use results alongside the interactive calculator widget below this article. Numbers are fan-derived approximations from July 2026 release economy — verify against in-game shop and contract payouts after patches.

Deep dives on machines in machines reference and automation in automation guide.

How to Use the Inputs

Select ore type matching your active mining shaft — mixed inputs require separate runs per type. Quantity reflects units per production cycle you plan to feed smelters, not entire inventory stockpile unless testing max throughput scenario.

Processing level corresponds to machine tier unlocked in your save — higher tiers increase speed and sometimes output value multipliers. Adjust level when comparing early demo smelter versus full-release advanced smelter projections.

Click calculate to view estimated profit line; reset to compare alternate ore focus before squad meeting on contract acceptance.

Interpreting Results for Squad Decisions

Positive margin with short smelter time favors dedicating conveyor trunk to that ore during contract gaps. Negative or thin margin suggests selling raw ore via flexible contracts or delaying machine duplication until shop prices drop.

Gold and Diamond show high absolute profit but long cycle times — divide profit by minutes for fair comparison with fast Copper loops using same belt length.

Pair outputs with contract priority tool to rank jobs using similar reward-per-hour logic.

Limitations and Patch Drift

Fan calculators cannot read your save file — manual input only. Dynamic market events, contract bonuses, and patch rebalances change true values without wiki update delays.

Co-op squads split profits implicitly through shared cash pool — calculator shows gross processing value before role specialization costs like vehicle licenses.

Report major economy patches to community forums; revisit calculator after noted balance changes.

Related Planning Resources

After calculator sessions, read conveyor automation for belt capacity matching smelter input rates and contracts guide for reinvestment timing.

Walkthrough milestones on early game suggest when calculator planning matters most — after first lift, before second property.