Count direct costs
Add materials, loaded labor, subcontractors, equipment and job-specific expenses.
Free contractor pricing tool
Free Contractor Estimate & Profit Calculator
Price a job with your labor, materials, overhead and target margin in view—before you send the estimate.
- No signup to use the calculator
- Works for most service contractors
- Instant results
Enter the job numbers
Use your best current estimate. You can change any number and the results update instantly.
Use the number, not a guess
How to price a contractor job more confidently
A reliable estimate connects the work being sold to the full cost of delivering it.
Account for overhead
Allocate a realistic share of office, vehicle, software, insurance and operating costs.
Protect the margin
Compare the quoted price with the price required to reach your target profit margin.
Free downloadable workbook
Take the calculator into your next estimate
Get the Excel workbook version so you can price jobs, compare estimate versus actual results and keep the calculation on hand.
- Job profit calculator
- Actual-versus-estimate tracker
- Quick-start instructions
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Contractor pricing questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a good profit margin for a contractor?
There is no single margin that fits every trade, job type or market. Your target should reflect your overhead, risk, capacity and growth goals. Use the calculator to test a target, then compare estimates with actual completed-job results.
What does loaded hourly labor cost mean?
It is the employee’s hourly wage plus the additional cost of employing that person, such as payroll taxes, workers’ compensation and benefits. Using wage alone can understate the real labor cost of a job.
Should overhead be included in every estimate?
Yes. Rent, vehicles, insurance, office staff, software and other operating costs still need to be paid even when they are not tied to one specific project.
What is the difference between markup and margin?
Markup is the amount added to cost. Margin is profit divided by the final selling price. A 35% markup does not create a 35% margin, so this calculator solves for the selling price needed for the selected margin.
Who is this calculator for?
It is designed for painters, roofers, landscapers, pool professionals, remodelers and other service contractors who estimate labor-and-material jobs.
Can Matt’s Marketing Express help me get more estimate opportunities?
Yes. Matt’s Marketing Express builds practical marketing and follow-up systems for contractors. If pricing is in place but lead flow or follow-up is the bottleneck, request a free contractor marketing review.
Good pricing protects the job. Good marketing helps fill the schedule.
See the clearest opportunity between homeowners finding your business and booking an estimate.
Book a Free Contractor Marketing Review