- Published
- 8 October 2026
- Last reviewed
- 8 October 2026
Use this calculator
Build an indicative project quote from estimated time, an hourly charging rate, direct costs and a contingency. See each component before agreeing scope with a client.
Formula and units
Labour charge = estimated hours × hourly charging rate. Subtotal = labour charge + direct costs. Contingency = subtotal × contingency percentage ÷ 100. Indicative quote = subtotal + contingency.
Worked example
20 hours × £50/hour = £1,000 labour charge. Add £100 costs, then 10% contingency (£110): indicative quote £1,210.
Inputs and limits
- Estimated project hours: 0 to 1000000.
- Hourly charging rate (£/hour): 0 to 1000000.
- Direct project costs (£): 0 to 1000000000.
- Contingency added to subtotal (%): 0 to 100.
The upper bounds are practical input limits for this tool, not professional standards. Enter decimal numbers using a point, without currency symbols, commas or scientific notation.
Assumptions and interpretation
The hourly rate is a charging rate that you choose, not an employee wage or a recommended market rate. Contingency is an addition to the whole subtotal, not a profit margin calculation. This estimate excludes VAT, other taxes, discounts and payment fees unless included in your entered costs. Agree deliverables, revisions, acceptance and payment terms separately. Zero entries are allowed for a deliberate free or cost-only scenario. This is arithmetic for planning, not tax advice or a promise of earnings.
Rounding and data handling
Calculations use the entered values before rounding. Results display to two decimal places. A tiny non-zero result may display as 0.00; review the input units and magnitude. Financial figures are indicative, not accounting entries. Inputs are processed in browser memory only: this calculator does not submit or store them, and reset or reload clears them. Ordinary website page requests still occur. Do not enter personal or confidential information. Without JavaScript, use the formula and worked example above manually.
These are original RDE planning calculators. Related reading provides context, not validation or endorsement of the formulas or input limits.