Project Quote Calculator
Build a client project quote from task hour estimates, your hourly rate, and a contingency buffer. Runs in your browser.
Quote
- Estimated hours
- 76.0 h
- Subtotal
- $7,220.00
- Buffer (15%)
- $1,083.00
- Total quote
- $8,303.00
A contingency buffer (commonly 10–25%) covers scope creep, revisions, and underestimated tasks — most projects run over the initial estimate. Quote the buffered total; bill less only if you come in under. Excludes taxes and pass-through costs. Informational.
About this tool
Quoting a project is mostly estimation discipline, and this tool gives it structure. You break the work into tasks and estimate the hours for each, set your hourly rate, and add a contingency buffer; it totals the hours, computes the subtotal, applies the buffer, and gives the quote you should present. The buffer is the part inexperienced freelancers skip and regret: almost every project runs longer than the first estimate because of scope creep, extra revisions, and tasks that turn out harder than they looked, so adding 10–25% protects your effective rate. Breaking the work into tasks also makes estimates more accurate than a single gut-feel number, and the itemized list doubles as a scope document the client can review. Present the buffered total as the quote; if you finish under, you can bill less and look generous, but you are covered if you don't. The figure excludes taxes and pass-through costs like stock assets or subcontractors, which you add separately. It is informational, not financial advice. Everything runs in your browser.
How to use it
- List each task and estimate its hours.
- Set your hourly rate.
- Add a contingency buffer (10–25% is typical).
- Present the buffered total as your quote.
Frequently asked questions
- Why add a contingency buffer?
- Because projects almost always take longer than the initial estimate — scope creep, extra revision rounds, and underestimated tasks are the norm. A 10–25% buffer absorbs that so overruns do not destroy your effective hourly rate or force awkward change-order conversations.
- How big should the buffer be?
- It depends on uncertainty. Well-defined work with a clear spec might need 10%; ambiguous scope or a new client warrants 20–25% or more. The less you know about the project, the bigger the buffer should be.
- Should I show the client the hours or just the total?
- Either works. An itemized task breakdown justifies the price and serves as a scope document, which can reduce disputes. Some prefer to present only the total (especially for value-based pricing). The task list here supports both approaches.
- Is hourly the best way to quote?
- It is transparent and easy, but fixed-price or value-based quotes can earn more and shield you from being penalized for working efficiently. This tool builds an hours-based estimate; you can present it as a fixed price (the buffered total) regardless.
- What does the quote exclude?
- Taxes (set aside a portion of what you earn), and pass-through costs like stock photography, fonts, hosting, or subcontractors — bill those separately, often with a markup. The quote here covers your labor.
- Is this financial advice?
- No. It is an informational estimating tool. Adjust rates and buffers to your market and risk tolerance.