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Project cost estimator
Break the project into phases, estimate the hours, and get a total with a sensible buffer and deposit, ready to send as a quote.
One per line: Phase name | hours.
Your quote summary
QUOTE: [Project] Discovery: 6 h — $510.00 Design: 24 h — $2,040.00 Build: 40 h — $3,400.00 Launch & handover: 6 h — $510.00 Estimated effort: 76 hours at $85.00/hour Contingency: $969.00 Expenses: $0.00 PROJECT PRICE: $7,429.00 (fixed) Payment: $2,228.70 (30%) deposit to reserve the start date, balance on delivery. This quote covers the phases listed above. Additional work is quoted separately through a written change order.
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A starting point, not legal advice. For high-stakes deals, have a lawyer review it.
How to estimate a freelance project
Split the work into phases small enough to estimate honestly, estimate hours for each, and multiply by your rate. Then add a contingency buffer: projects run over because of feedback rounds, unclear briefs and waiting, not because you can't do the work. Quote the total as a fixed price, list what's included, and take a deposit before you start.
FAQ
How do freelancers estimate project costs?
Phases × hours × hourly rate, plus a 10–20% contingency buffer and any expenses. Then round to a clean number and quote it as a fixed price with a clear scope.
Should I show my hourly rate in the quote?
It's up to you. Showing hours by phase builds trust with detail-oriented clients; showing only the total keeps the focus on the outcome.
How big should the contingency buffer be?
10% for work you've done many times, 20% or more for new kinds of projects or clients with many stakeholders.
Fixed price or hourly?
Fixed price with a tight scope pays better when you estimate well. Hourly suits open-ended work. Either way, put the scope and change process in writing.
From quote to signed contract.
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