Calculate a solid project price by entering your hourly rate, estimated hours, and a buffer for scope changes. Never underquote again.
Estimate the total price for a client project based on your hourly rate, estimated hours, and a buffer for scope creep.
The formula is: Total Quote = (Hourly Rate × Estimated Hours) × (1 + Buffer%/100). The base price is your rate multiplied by your time estimate. The buffer multiplies that base to protect against scope creep — work that wasn't in the original specification but needs to be done.
Example: $75/hour × 20 hours = $1,500 base. With a 20% buffer: $1,500 × 1.20 = $1,800 total quote. If the project stays in scope, you've earned a 20% premium on efficiency. If scope expands, the buffer absorbs the extra time.
A 20% buffer is the industry standard for well-defined projects. Use 30–40% for vague briefs, new client relationships, or projects involving stakeholders who frequently change their minds. Use 10–15% for repeat clients with very clear specs. Never use 0% — there is always some unexpected work on any project.
Don't reveal your breakdown to clients (hourly rate × hours). Instead, present the total as a flat project price. This prevents clients from trying to negotiate on your rate or hours independently, and frames the conversation around value rather than time. Always specify what's included and define what would trigger a change order. Read the full project quoting guide →
A scope buffer is a percentage added to your base project price to cover unexpected work, client revisions, or unclear requirements. A 20% buffer on a $1,500 base estimate produces a $1,800 quote, giving you 4 extra hours of cushion at $75/hour.
Generally no. Presenting a flat project price is more effective — it focuses discussion on value and deliverables rather than time tracking. Clients negotiating on hourly rate or estimated hours is a race to the bottom.
If the extra work was caused by scope creep (client-requested additions), issue a change order for additional compensation. If you underestimated, the buffer absorbs it. If the buffer is also exhausted, this is a learning experience for future quoting.
Break the project into tasks, estimate each task individually, then sum them. Apply a factor of 1.3-1.5x to your raw estimate to account for meetings, revisions, and coordination overhead. Review past projects of similar size to calibrate your estimates over time.