Solder Joint Time Calculator
Estimate how long a hand-soldering job will take from the joint count, seconds per joint, setup time and a rework allowance.
How it works
Solder time = joints × (1 + rework%) × seconds ÷ 60 · Total = solder time + setup
Hand-soldering time is dominated by the joint count times the pace per joint, but two things pad the estimate in the real world: setup and prep (tinning the iron, cleaning, laying out parts) is a fixed cost, and some joints get reworked. Adding a rework percentage and a setup block turns a raw joint count into a realistic schedule. The throughput figure folds setup back in, so it drops on small jobs where prep dominates.
Worked example
200 joints at 8 s each is 1600 s of soldering. A 10% rework allowance raises it to 220 joints (1760 s ≈ 29.3 min), and 15 min of setup brings the total to about 44 min — roughly 272 joints per hour effective.
Frequently asked questions
How long should one solder joint take?
A clean through-hole joint takes an experienced hand about 5–10 seconds: a second or two to heat the pad and lead, then feed solder and withdraw. Fine-pitch SMD can be faster per joint once you are set up, but slower to position.
Why include a rework allowance?
Some joints will be cold, bridged or misaligned and need reflowing, especially on a first build. A 5–15% allowance keeps the estimate honest instead of assuming every joint is perfect the first time.
Does drag-soldering or a hot-air station change this?
Yes — reflow, drag-soldering and hot-air rework batch many joints at once, so the per-joint figure drops sharply. This calculator models the iron-per-joint case; scale the seconds-per-joint down for batch methods.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.