Freelance Project Quote Calculator
Turn estimated hours into a defensible fixed price.
Enter your values
Enter the estimated hours in h.
Enter the target hourly rate in $.
Enter the scope buffer in %.
Enter the overhead in %.
Enter the profit margin in %.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Quote this project at
- $4,870.59
- Buffered hours
- 48 h
- Effective hourly rate
- $121.76
- Deposit (40%)
- $1,948.24
Working
- 148 h x $75.00 x 1.15 / 0.85 = $4,870.59
Quick answer
A fixed price should cover estimated hours at your target rate, plus a risk buffer, overhead and profit margin.
quote = hours x (1+buffer) x rate x (1+overhead) / (1-margin)
At a glance
| What it does | Turn estimated hours into a defensible fixed price. |
|---|---|
| Category | Business |
| Inputs needed | Estimated hours, Target hourly rate, Scope buffer, Overhead, Profit margin |
| Main output | Quote this project at |
| Formula | quote = hours x (1+buffer) x rate x (1+overhead) / (1-margin) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Freelance Project Quote Calculator
- 1Estimate hours honestly, then let the buffer absorb scope creep.
- 2Set the hourly rate you want to actually earn.
- 3Quote the total as a fixed price with a deposit upfront.
Inputs explained
- Estimated hours(h)
- Enter the estimated hours in h.
- Target hourly rate($)
- Enter the target hourly rate in $.
- Scope buffer(%)
- Enter the scope buffer in %.
- Overhead(%)
- Enter the overhead in %.
- Profit margin(%)
- Enter the profit margin in %.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Estimated hours40 h
- Target hourly rate75 $
- Scope buffer20 %
- Overhead15 %
- Profit margin15 %
Results
- Quote this project at$4,870.59
- Buffered hours48 h
- Effective hourly rate$121.76
- Deposit (40%)$1,948.24
- 48 h x $75.00 x 1.15 / 0.85 = $4,870.59
Frequently asked questions
How big should the buffer be?
20% for familiar work, 40%+ for new domains or vague briefs.
Should I show my hourly rate?
Usually no — clients buy outcomes, and a fixed price shifts efficiency gains to you.
What do I need to enter into the Freelance Project Quote Calculator?
Just 5 values: estimated hours, target hourly rate, scope buffer, overhead, profit margin. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Freelance Project Quote Calculator work out the answer?
A fixed price should cover estimated hours at your target rate, plus a risk buffer, overhead and profit margin. It applies the formula quote = hours x (1+buffer) x rate x (1+overhead) / (1-margin) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Freelance Project Quote Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.