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Project Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of a project using labor hours, hourly rate, materials, overhead, contingency, and other direct costs.

Your Details

Overview

A project cost calculator helps you estimate a working budget by combining labor hours, hourly rate, materials, other direct costs, overhead, and contingency. It is useful for planning internal budgets, preparing estimates, and comparing different project scenarios.

How it works

The calculator first multiplies labor hours by the hourly rate to estimate labor cost. It then adds labor, materials, and other direct costs to get the base cost. Overhead is applied as a percentage of that base cost, and contingency is then added as a percentage of the subtotal with overhead. The result is a more complete project budget estimate.

How to use this calculator

  1. 1Enter the total labor hours expected for the project.
  2. 2Add the average hourly labor rate.
  3. 3Enter the estimated cost of materials.
  4. 4Include any other direct project costs such as travel, rental, or subcontractor fees.
  5. 5Set the overhead percentage to cover indirect business costs.
  6. 6Add a contingency percentage and review the estimated total project cost.

Example Calculation

Labor Hours

120

Hourly Rate

$50

Materials Cost

$3,000

Other Direct Costs

$1,000

Overhead Percentage

15%

Contingency Percentage

10%

Total Project Cost

$12,650

For a project with 120 labor hours at 50 per hour, 3000 in materials, 1000 in other direct costs, 15% overhead, and 10% contingency, the estimated total project cost is 12650.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Project Cost Calculator estimate?

It estimates the total project budget by combining labor, materials, other direct costs, overhead, and contingency.

What is included in base cost?

Base cost includes labor cost, materials cost, and other direct project expenses before overhead and contingency are added.

Why should I include contingency?

Contingency helps account for uncertainty, change requests, price increases, or unexpected work during the project.

Does this calculator include profit margin?

No. This version estimates project cost, not selling price. If you want to include profit, add it separately to your final quote.

Should overhead be based on direct costs or total costs?

A common approach is to apply overhead to direct costs. This calculator follows that method for a simple, practical estimate.

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Assumptions and warnings

Assumptions

  • Results are estimates based on the values you enter for labor, materials, and other direct costs.
  • Overhead is calculated as a percentage of the base project cost.
  • Contingency is calculated after overhead is added to the base cost.
  • The calculator does not include taxes, financing costs, or profit margin unless you include them in your inputs.

Warnings

  • This calculator provides an estimate only and should not be treated as a formal quote or budget approval.
  • Actual project costs can vary due to scope changes, supplier pricing, delays, and unforeseen work.