How to use this calculator
Price a freelance project by combining labor, expenses, and a clear contingency buffer.
How the calculation works
- Multiplies your desired rate by estimated project hours.
- Adds direct project expenses.
- Applies a buffer to cover uncertainty, revisions, or scope risk.
Formula
Project price = (hourly rate x hours + expenses) x (1 + buffer percentage).
Example
75 per hour for 40 hours, plus 250 expenses and a 15% buffer, gives a quote of 3,737.50.
Understanding your result
Use the project price as a structured quote estimate. Revisit the buffer when scope, revisions, timeline, or client requirements change.
Assumptions and limitations
- This is a transparent pricing estimate, not a guarantee of what a client will accept.
- Raise the buffer for unclear scope or reduce it when requirements are firm.
Frequently asked questions
Why add a buffer?
A buffer helps account for uncertainty, revisions, unclear scope, and small overruns.
Does this replace a proposal?
No. It helps estimate price, but proposal terms should still define scope and deliverables.