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Pyro Innovations Planning Tool
Fireworks Show Setup Time Calculator
Estimate display setup time with a field-oriented production model. Simple Mode recommended for most users. Regardless of estimated setup times, always leave plenty of buffer when deciding your call time!
Advanced Mode
Simple Mode uses shells, cues, crew size, cakes, shell profile, largest shell size, site complexity, and temperature.
Total shells, including finale shells if present.
Cakes, preloaded racks, one-shots, mines, or similar items.
Total cue positions or addressed firing events.
People physically involved in setup work.
Simple Mode multiplier for rack and layout labor only.
Simple Mode rack-density adjustment based on the largest shell in the show.
Used as a heat / fatigue planning factor for outdoor physical work.
Fixed overhead reflecting travel distance, coordination, and site access.
Lighter racks and less crew fatigue than standard shells.
Grouped finale shells count as discounted shell-equivalent labor.
Optional manual allowance for inspections, waiting, unusual logistics, or company-specific drag.
Estimated Output
Estimated setup time
7.5 hours
Expected planning range: 6.4–8.8 hours
Crew-hours
52.5
Production pace
66.7 shells/hour
This estimate includes a heat factor and a less-optimistic crew-efficiency curve, calibrated to feel closer to real field setup pace.
| Component | Estimated Hours |
|---|
Crew Planning
Recommended crew
7 techs
Recommended for a 6-hour setup window
Used to estimate the recommended crew size for planning.
With your current crew, this show is estimated at 7.5 hours. Estimated with 4 crew: it would take longer. Estimated with 6 crew: it would shorten.
Timeline & Logistics Planner
Crew arrival / workday start time.
Planned end time for each setup day.
Scheduled show start time.
Target gap between setup completion and show time.
Number of workdays available to complete setup.
Built into productive workday calculations.
Net productive hours / day
6.3
Total available setup hours
12.5
Required hours / day
3.6
Setup completion target
6:00 PM
Suggested daily wrap time
2:19 PM
Lunches needed
14
Water needed
17.5 gal
Approx. 133 bottles (16.9 oz)
Plan status
Feasible with current plan
Timeline assumes lunch is the only scheduled meal break during the workday. Breakfast and coffee are assumed before call time, and dinner is assumed after departure. Water estimate is based on crew size, setup days, and ambient temperature.