Cost estimator calculator

Estimate construction costs by category and location

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The Cost Estimator Calculator helps architects, contractors, and developers create detailed construction cost estimates using industry-standard formats. Calculate project costs by UniFormat or MasterFormat categories with location multipliers, escalation factors, and contingency.

Accurate cost estimation is critical for project feasibility, budgeting, and bid preparation. The calculator supports both UniFormat (design-phase) and MasterFormat (construction-phase) cost breakdowns, allowing estimates at any project stage.

Enter quantities, unit costs, and project parameters to build comprehensive cost estimates. The tool includes location cost multipliers, escalation factors, and contingency calculations, helping create professional cost estimates for residential, commercial, and institutional projects.

Features

Everything you need

UniFormat and MasterFormat support
Location cost multipliers
Escalation and contingency factors
Multiple building type templates
Cost breakdown by category
Export to CSV and PDF
Project phase tracking

How it works

Simple workflow

1
Select estimate format (UniFormat or MasterFormat)
2
Add line items with quantities and unit costs
3
Apply location multipliers and escalation
4
Add contingency percentages
5
Review total project cost breakdown

Use cases

Built for real-world scenarios

Project budgeting

Create preliminary cost estimates during early design phases for project feasibility.

Bid preparation

Develop detailed cost estimates for contractor bid submissions.

Cost planning

Track costs by category and phase throughout project development.

Value engineering

Compare cost alternatives and identify cost-saving opportunities.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

UniFormat organizes costs by building elements (A10 Foundations, B20 Exterior Walls) for design-phase estimates. MasterFormat organizes by trade/construction (03 Concrete, 07 Thermal/Moisture) for construction estimates.

Location multipliers adjust costs for regional price differences. Example: San Francisco 1.35×, New York 1.25×, Dallas 0.95×. Multiply base costs by location factor for local pricing.

Typical contingencies: Design Development 15-20%, Construction Documents 10-15%, Bidding 5-10%, Construction 3-5%. Higher contingencies for less-defined projects.

Apply annual escalation rate (typically 3-5%) based on time to construction start. For 2-year delay at 4%: Escalation = (1.04)² - 1 = 8.16% increase.

Have a suggestion?

We're always looking to improve our calculators. If you have ideas for new features, improvements, or found something that could work better, we'd love to hear from you.

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