Freelance pricing · project scope
Freelance project quote calculator.
Turn production time, meetings, revisions, expenses and an honest risk buffer into a client-ready project price. Nothing is uploaded, and no tax is added.
Start with every hour the project can consume. The calculator adds labour and expenses, reserves a visible contingency, then applies either a target margin or a cost-based markup.
Quote = (labour + expenses) × (1 + risk buffer) ÷ (1 − margin)Project inputs
Your quote
How the quote is calculated
The quote starts with hands-on hours, meeting hours, revision hours and project management. Labour cost is that total multiplied by your rate. Direct expenses are then added, and the risk buffer reserves room for uncertainty before the price basis is marked up.
Direct cost = (all hours × rate) + expensesCost basis = direct cost + (direct cost × risk buffer)
Margin price = cost basis ÷ (1 − target margin)
Markup price = cost basis × (1 + target markup)
Margin and markup answer different questions. A 25% margin needs a 33.33% markup on a $100 cost; a 25% markup produces a 20% margin. The distinction follows the accounting definitions in AccountingTools’ margin and markup explainer.
For a related planning model, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s break-even guidance uses fixed costs divided by contribution margin and recommends allowing for unpredictable expenses. This calculator leaves that allowance as your explicit risk-buffer input.
What this leaves out
This is a planning estimate, not a contract or tax calculation. It does not add sales tax, income tax, payment processing fees or financing costs. Put those in your quote only after checking the rules and terms that apply to your business.
Frequently asked questions
Should meetings and revisions be in a freelance quote?
Yes. If the project needs them, they are project hours. Listing them separately makes the scope easier to approve and easier to renegotiate.
Is a risk buffer the same as profit?
No. A risk buffer protects the estimate against uncertainty. Profit is what remains after cost; this calculator keeps the two visible.
Does this calculator add tax?
No. Tax is intentionally excluded because rates and obligations depend on where and how you operate.
Estimate only
Confirm scope, assumptions, payment terms and tax treatment in your actual agreement. Results stay in your browser unless you choose to copy or share the inputs.