Project Quote Calculator
Turn estimated hours and your hourly rate into a professional project quote. Add expenses, a risk buffer for scope creep, and an optional discount to see your final price.
Why a quote is more than hours times rate
A reliable project quote protects you from the two things that destroy freelance profit: scope creep and forgotten expenses. Multiplying hours by your rate is only the starting point. Real projects drift, clients add 'one small thing', and tools cost money. This calculator layers a risk buffer and expenses on top so your quote survives contact with reality.
The risk buffer explained
The buffer is a percentage added to cover the work that always appears but was never quoted — extra revisions, an unplanned meeting, a feature that turned out harder than it looked. Fifteen to twenty-five percent is sensible for most projects, and more for vague briefs. If the buffer goes unused, you finish ahead. If it is needed, you are still profitable.
Using discounts wisely
The optional discount field lets you offer a deal without losing track of the real value of your work. Seeing the discount applied on top of a properly buffered quote keeps you from cutting into your actual margin. Watch the 'effective per hour' figure — if a discount drags it below your minimum rate from the Hourly Rate Calculator, reconsider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should freelancers quote per hour or per project?
Many clients prefer a fixed project price for certainty. Quoting per project, built from your hourly rate plus a buffer, gives the client a clear number while protecting you.
How big should my risk buffer be?
For clear, well-defined projects, 10–15% is common. For vague briefs or new clients, 20–30% is safer.
Should I show the buffer to the client?
Usually no — present a single project price. The buffer is your internal protection against scope creep, not a line item.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free and private. Nothing you type is stored or sent anywhere.