Accurately budgeting a network cabling project shouldn’t require multiple phone calls or sales meetings. Our network cable installation cost calculator provides instant, data-driven estimates for Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cabling projects based on real commercial installations.
This tool is designed for business owners, IT managers, MSPs, and facilities teams who need fast, reliable pricing for structured cabling projects—before committing to a site visit.
Most cabling contractors require a call just to provide ballpark pricing. Our estimator removes that friction.
By entering a few project details—such as cable type, number of drops, square footage, and location—you’ll receive an instant cost estimate that reflects real labor and material considerations.
No spam. No obligation. Just clear pricing insight to help you plan.
Our calculator accounts for:
Estimates are generated using real-world project data and are suitable for budgeting, approvals, and early-stage planning.
Different cable types have different performance capabilities, material costs, and labor requirements. Below is a breakdown to help you understand what impacts pricing before using the calculator.
Cat5e may be suitable if:
Cat5e generally has the lowest material cost, which can reduce overall project pricing. However, labor costs remain similar to newer cable types, which is why Cat5e is less commonly recommended for new commercial builds.
Cat6 cable costs more than Cat5e due to improved shielding, tighter twists, and higher performance ratings. These features support faster speeds and reduced interference.
Labor costs are influenced by:
Cat6 requires more precision during termination, which can slightly affect labor time.
Cat6 offers the best balance between performance, longevity, and cost, making it the most commonly installed cable type in offices, warehouses, and commercial spaces.
Cat6a cable is thicker, more heavily shielded, and more expensive than Cat6. It supports 10 Gbps speeds over longer distances.
Higher costs are driven by:
While Cat6a has a higher upfront cost, it can reduce the need for future upgrades in bandwidth-heavy environments such as data-intensive offices or facilities with long cable runs.
Choosing the right cable isn’t just about price—it’s about long-term performance and scalability.
Labor costs increase slightly with Cat6 and Cat6a due to installation precision, cable thickness, and termination requirements.
For most businesses, Cat6 provides the best overall value when considering performance, longevity, and installation cost.