Project quote calculator
Fixed-price work goes wrong when the estimate is optimistic and there's no room for the parts nobody predicted. This builds a quote with that room included.
Estimate only. Figures update as you type. Not tax advice — see the note at the bottom of this page.
Why the buffer isn't padding
Estimates are systematically optimistic. People imagine the version of a project where nothing goes wrong, and then bill for the version where several things do. A buffer isn't dishonesty, it's pricing the difference between the plan and reality, and experienced freelancers set it from their own track record rather than a rule of thumb.
Deposits change client behaviour
A deposit protects cash flow, but the more valuable effect is filtering. Clients who hesitate at a reasonable deposit are disproportionately the ones who later hesitate at the final invoice. The deposit surfaces that before you've done the work rather than after.
What to put in writing
A fixed price only works with a fixed scope. The quote should state what's included, how many revision rounds are covered, what happens when the client requests something beyond that, and what the timeline assumes about their responsiveness. Most fixed-price disasters trace back to a scope that was never written down.
Common questions
How big should the buffer be?
It depends on how well you know the work. Familiar projects for familiar clients might need 10-15%. New work, new clients, or unclear requirements often justify 25-50%.
Should I show the client the hours?
Usually not. Fixed-price quotes sell an outcome, and itemising hours invites negotiation over the estimate rather than the value.
What deposit is standard?
Anywhere from 25% to 50% is common, and some freelancers require full payment for small projects. Larger projects often use staged payments tied to milestones instead.