Know what each job needs to cover

A useful estimate covers more than time on the tools. Account for materials, the cost of running your business, and your own labor before you settle on a price.

Build your job estimate

Start with the cost of doing the work, then see what your price needs to cover. These are example values—replace them with your own numbers.

Your job costs

Replace the examples with your numbers. Your estimate updates as you go.

Monthly business overhead ($) Vehicle, insurance, tools, software, and other fixed costs. Exclude costs entered below.

Monthly billable hours Hours you expect to charge customers for, across the business.

Labor hours for this job Count the work, travel, supply runs, setup, and cleanup.

Labor cost per hour ($) Include the cost of your own time, plus any employment costs.

Materials and other job costs ($) Include supplies, delivery, disposal, and any subcontractors.

Target margin after these costs (%) Choose your own target from 0 to 95%. The example is not a recommended rate.

Estimated job price before tax

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Labor cost: —
Materials and other costs: —
Overhead allocated to this job: —
Total entered costs: —
Amount above these costs: —

Margin is the share of your selling price left after these costs. Markup is the percentage added to costs. This calculator uses margin.

Use one currency throughout, whether USD or CAD. This estimate only covers the costs you enter; taxes and any omitted expenses are not included. Your numbers stay in your browser.

A clear price starts with a clear scope

Check measurements, access, materials, and finishes before committing. This calculator helps with the numbers; your knowledge of the actual job completes the estimate.

Read the pricing and estimating playbook