How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the number of labor hours required for your job
- Input your standard labor hourly wage
- Enter any direct material costs for the job
- Set your overhead rate (typically 15-30% for most businesses)
- Click the "Calculate" button to see your estimated costs
Understanding the Results
The calculator provides three key metrics:
- Labor Cost: Total wages for all workers on the job
- Overhead Cost: Indirect costs based on your labor cost
- Total Cost: The complete project cost estimate
Practical Applications
This calculator is useful for:
- Quoting projects for clients
- Bidding on jobs
- Tracking profitability
- Setting budgets
- Comparing different project estimates
Example Scenario
Suppose you need to bid on a landscaping job that requires:
- 10 labor hours
- $25 per hour wage
- $300 for materials
- 20% overhead
Using the calculator with these inputs would show:
- Labor Cost: $250.00
- Overhead Cost: $50.00
- Total Cost: $300.00
This would allow you to quote $300 for the job, ensuring you cover all costs while maintaining your desired profit margin.