Project Estimate Calculator
💡 Suggested Quote Range
$12,960 – $17,718
Quote the expected cost but prepare the client for up to the worst case
⏱️ Time Estimate
Best case:
2.8 weeks
Expected:
3.6 weeks
Worst case:
4.4 weeks
Includes 20% contingency
💰 Cost Estimate
Best case:
$11,082
Expected:
$14,400
Worst case:
$17,718
At $100/hour
Hourly Rate:
$
Contingency:
20%
| Task | Optimistic (hours) | Realistic (hours) | Pessimistic (hours) | PERT Est. (hours) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8.7h | |||||
17.3h | |||||
43.3h | |||||
34.7h | |||||
16.0h |
📊 About PERT Estimation
PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) uses the formula: (Optimistic + 4×Realistic + Pessimistic) ÷ 6. This weights the realistic estimate more heavily while accounting for uncertainty. The range shows ~95% confidence interval based on statistical analysis.
🛡️ About Contingency
Contingency is a buffer added to estimates to account for unknowns, scope creep, and unexpected challenges. Industry standard is 10-20% for well-defined projects, 20-30% for moderately defined, and 30-50% for exploratory or high-risk work. It's not padding—it's professional risk management.
Project Cost Estimate Calculator
Estimate project costs accurately using the proven PERT method. Break down tasks, account for uncertainty, and generate professional cost estimates for your projects.
How to Estimate Project Costs
Create reliable project management estimates in three simple steps using the PERT technique trusted by project managers worldwide.
1. Break Down Tasks
List all project tasks and estimate optimistic, realistic, and pessimistic hours for each
2. Add Contingency
Set a buffer percentage to account for unknowns, scope changes, and unexpected issues
3. Get Your Cost Estimate
See time and cost ranges with confidence intervals to estimate project costs accurately
Why Use PERT for Project Cost Estimates?
Single-point cost estimates are often wrong. PERT gives you a realistic range that accounts for uncertainty in project management.
Accurate Project Estimates
Stop underquoting projects. PERT accounts for the unexpected so your cost estimate of a project is realistic
Reliable Project Management Estimates
Give clients a range instead of a single date. Professional estimate in project management
Statistical Confidence
The PERT formula is backed by decades of project management research and cost estimation best practices
Share Cost Estimates
Generate a shareable link to walk clients through your project cost estimate breakdown
The PERT Formula for Cost Estimate in Project Management
PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) was developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1950s. It's now the gold standard for project management cost estimates.
Best-case if everything goes perfectly
Realistic estimate based on experience
Worst-case with major setbacks
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