Project Cost Estimator
Calculate your total project cost by combining materials, labour, and other expenses. Add VAT and profit markup to get a complete quote for your clients.
How It Works
Enter your material costs, labour costs, and any other expenses. The calculator will add them up, apply your desired profit margin, and add VAT to give you a complete project quote.
Cost Components
- Materials Cost: All materials needed for the project
- Labour Cost: Worker wages and subcontractor fees
- Other Costs: Permits, equipment hire, waste disposal, etc.
- Markup: Your profit margin added to costs
- VAT: Value Added Tax (default 20%)
When to Use
- Creating quotes for clients
- Estimating project budgets
- Comparing projected vs actual costs
- Breaking down costs by category
TXTexas IBC / IRC (AHJ amendments)
References & Sources
Standards Cited
- RSMeans — RSMeans Data — Construction Cost Estimating
Provides the industry-standard framework for project cost estimation in North America, including materials, labour, overhead, and profit structures - AACE International — AACE International Recommended Practices for Cost Estimating
Defines cost estimating classifications and methodologies for North American construction projects
Formulas Used
- Subtotal:
subtotal = materialsCost + labourCost + otherCosts
Source: RSMeans / AACE International - Markup Amount:
markup = subtotal x (markupPercent / 100)
Source: Standard industry markup/overhead practice - Sales Tax Amount:
salesTax = (subtotal + markup) x (taxRate / 100)
Source: State/local tax regulations — Sales tax rates vary by state and locality; no federal standard rate - Total Project Cost:
total = subtotal + markup + vat
Source: RSMeans / AACE International - Cost Breakdown Percentages:
componentPercent = (componentCost / totalCost) x 100
Source: Standard accounting
Key Assumptions
- Sales tax is applied after markup/overhead is added to the subtotal — Standard US accounting practice
- Sales tax rate varies by state and locality (no single default rate) — State tax authorities
- Overhead and profit (O&P) is applied as a percentage of the subtotal (materials + labour + other) — RSMeans estimating methodology