Free tool
Job Estimate Generator
Build a clear estimate with line items, tax, a discount and a deposit, and save it as a PDF to send to your customer. It runs in your browser and nothing is stored.
Start from a trade example
Sample line items with example prices, not market rates. Load one, then change the descriptions and prices to yours.
Examples by trade
How to use this tool
- Add your detailsYour business, the customer, the estimate number and the dates.
- List the workOne line per item of labor or material with quantity and unit price. Tick Taxable where tax applies.
- Review and downloadCheck the totals, set the deposit, edit the terms and download the PDF.
How the totals work
- Line total = quantity × unit price, in whole cents
- Subtotal = sum of the line totals
- Discount = a fixed amount, or a percent of the subtotal (never more than the subtotal)
- Taxable subtotal = taxable lines minus their proportional share of the discount
- Tax = taxable subtotal × your tax rate, rounded once to the nearest cent
- Total = subtotal − discount + tax
- Deposit due = a percent of the total, or a fixed amount (capped at the total); balance = total − deposit
All math uses whole cents, so there are no floating-point errors. Rounding tax once on the taxable subtotal, instead of line by line, avoids drift on estimates with many small lines. Tax rules differ by place; this tool is not tax or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What should a job estimate include?
Your business name and contact details, the customer's name and address, an estimate number and date, a clear list of the work and materials with quantities and prices, the total, how long the price is good for, the deposit if you ask for one, and your terms. A short scope description helps both sides agree on what is and is not included.
What is the difference between an estimate and a quote?
People use the words differently. In general an estimate is your best calculation of the cost and can change if the job turns out different, while a quote is a fixed price you commit to. Whichever you send, say which one it is in the terms. This tool titles the document Estimate and lets you edit the terms.
How is tax calculated here?
You enter the tax rate that applies to you; the tool does not look one up. Tick Taxable on the lines that are taxed. Any discount is shared across the lines in proportion to their size, tax is figured once on the taxable subtotal and rounded to the nearest cent. Check with your state or accountant which items are taxable where you work.
How does the deposit work?
Choose a percentage of the total or a fixed amount. The deposit is shown as due on acceptance, and the balance is the total minus the deposit. A fixed deposit larger than the total is capped at the total.
Is my customer's information stored anywhere?
No. Everything stays in this page in your browser and the PDF is created on your device. Nothing is uploaded, and the page does not remember your entries, so downloading the PDF is how you keep a copy. Reloading the page clears the form.
Why does the PDF say Estimate and not Invoice?
An estimate is an offer before the work. An invoice asks for payment after it. When the job is done, use the free invoice generator to bill for it.