An estimate tells a client what a job should cost before they commit. This generator lets you list materials and labor separately, apply a markup, add tax, set how long the price is valid and write your terms, then produces a clean PDF to send. It is free, runs in your browser and needs no account.
A clear scope: what is included, and just as importantly what is not. Materials and labor as separate lines, so a client can see where the money goes. Any allowances — sums set aside for items the client has not chosen yet, such as fixtures. Tax, the total, the deposit if you take one, and a date after which the price may change.
Add your licence number if your trade and state require it on written estimates, and your insurance details if clients ask for them.
An estimate is an informed approximation and can change if the job turns out differently. A quote is usually a fixed price for a defined scope. A bid is a price submitted in competition, often against plans and specifications. Say on the document which one it is, and explain what would change the price.
When you can define the work fully and want to commit to a number, use the quote generator instead: it adds optional add-ons the client can tick, a deposit to accept and a signature block.
Build the price from quantities, not a guess: take off materials with waste allowances, estimate labor hours from past jobs, then add overhead and profit. Our markup calculator shows the difference between markup and margin, which is where many estimates lose money. Standard rates you charge on every job belong on a price list, so each estimate starts from the same numbers.
Keep a copy of every estimate. Comparing estimated and actual costs after each job is the fastest way to price the next one better. On a long job, line up the deposit and progress payments against your material and payroll bills in the cash flow forecast, and if you are financing a vehicle or equipment for the work, the loan amortization schedule gives the monthly payment to build into your overhead.
Yes — no account, no watermark. Fill it in and download the PDF.
An estimate is generally treated as an approximation rather than a fixed price, but consumer protection rules in some states limit how far a final bill can exceed a written estimate. If you need a fixed price, issue a quote or contract and say so clearly.
Long enough for the client to decide, short enough that material prices will not have moved much — 15 to 30 days is common. Put the expiry date on the estimate.
Use the same line items in our free invoice generator once the work is done, adding any approved change orders.
Quoting at the client's door? Instant Quote Maker builds the estimate with materials, labor and markup on your phone, sends the PDF, and converts it to an invoice in one tap when the job is done.
These templates do the same job as an editable document you can fill in again and again.
Excel and Google Sheets workbooks made by DixonAppStudio, the company behind this site.