Project Fee Calculator
Compare hourly billing with a fixed fee.
Enter your values
Enter the fixed project fee in $.
Enter the estimated hours you are working with.
Enter the typical overrun in %.
Enter the target hourly rate 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.
- Effective hourly rate
- $107.14
- Hours with overrun
- 84
- Hourly billing total
- $9,240.00
- Better option
- Bill hourly
Quick answer
A fixed fee beats hourly only if your effective hourly rate stays above your target after overruns.
Effective rate = fee ÷ (estimate × overrun)
At a glance
| What it does | Compare hourly billing with a fixed fee. |
|---|---|
| Category | Business |
| Inputs needed | Fixed project fee, Estimated hours, Typical overrun, Target hourly rate |
| Main output | Effective hourly rate |
| Formula | Effective rate = fee ÷ (estimate × overrun) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Project Fee Calculator
- 1Enter the fixed fee on the table.
- 2Estimate hours honestly and add your typical overrun.
- 3Compare against your target rate.
Inputs explained
- Fixed project fee($)
- Enter the fixed project fee in $.
- Estimated hours
- Enter the estimated hours you are working with.
- Typical overrun(%)
- Enter the typical overrun in %.
- Target hourly rate($)
- Enter the target hourly rate in $.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Fixed project fee9000 $
- Estimated hours70
- Typical overrun20 %
- Target hourly rate110 $
Results
- Effective hourly rate$107.14
- Hours with overrun84
- Hourly billing total$9,240.00
- Better optionBill hourly
Frequently asked questions
Why include overrun?
Fixed-fee projects almost always take longer than the estimate.
When is fixed fee best?
When scope is tight and you are faster than average.
What do I need to enter into the Project Fee Calculator?
Just 4 values: fixed project fee, estimated hours, typical overrun, target hourly rate. 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 Project Fee Calculator work out the answer?
A fixed fee beats hourly only if your effective hourly rate stays above your target after overruns. It applies the formula Effective rate = fee ÷ (estimate × overrun) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Project Fee 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.