Construction Estimate Calculator

Add material, labor, and equipment costs, then layer on overhead and contingency before applying your target markup. This estimate applies the sales-tax rate only to materials so you can clearly see each part of the proposed contract price. Calculate it clearly with Figur.

How the construction estimate calculator works

Add material, labor, and equipment costs, then layer on overhead and contingency before applying your target markup. This estimate applies the sales-tax rate only to materials so you can clearly see each part of the proposed contract price.

Method and assumptions

Figur combines the costs, percentages, and payments you enter using direct arithmetic to show a job-price, labor-cost, or construction-invoice estimate. Everything is calculated locally in your browser.

  • Overhead, contingency, labor burden, markup, and retainage percentages are applied in the exact order shown in the breakdown.
  • When sales tax is requested, this planning version applies it only to the material amount you enter.
  • The progress invoice uses earned work to date, calculates retainage on that total, and then subtracts all prior payments.
  • Actual costs can change with site conditions, subcontractors, waste, scheduling, contract terms, and local rules.

This tool provides planning estimates, not a binding bid, invoice, legal advice, tax advice, or accounting advice. Confirm taxes, retainage, and contract requirements with the applicable documents and qualified professionals.

Sources and references

No external data source is required: this calculator applies the rates, costs, and contract terms you enter.

Worked example

A job has $5,000 in materials, $3,600 in labor, $600 in equipment, 10% overhead, 5% contingency, 7.25% material tax, and 20% markup.

The proposed contract total is $13,113.70.

Frequently asked questions

Is markup the same as profit margin?

No. This calculator applies markup as a percentage of total job cost. Profit margin is measured against the final selling price.

Why is sales tax only applied to materials?

Tax treatment differs by location and contract type. This planning version applies the rate you enter to materials only; adjust the material input or tax rate to match your job.

Related calculators