Build a project estimate with clear costs, markup, and margin

A useful estimate starts with what the work will cost, then applies an explicit pricing method. OKRoomTools connects material purchases to a simple project budget, so the number of whole boxes or cans you selected is reflected in the cost. You can also begin with labor and custom items alone.

Create a free project estimate

Start with purchases, rather than only surface area

Choose a purchase in the flooring box calculator or paint calculator. Its total includes the full boxes or cans and the accessories or delivery entered for that option. The selected purchase stays connected to the estimate as you revise valid measurements or prices. Review the selection if you change products or remove required information.

For example, a flooring purchase of $454 and a paint purchase of $138 make a $592 material cost. These are illustrative figures; OKRoomTools does not supply market prices or recommend a supplier.

Add labor and other costs once

Enter labor hours and your internal hourly cost. Eight hours at $35 adds $280, taking the example to $872. A custom preparation item with quantity 2 and unit cost $25 adds $50, for a total internal cost of $922.

Custom items can describe preparation, primer, equipment, or another cost. The estimate accepts up to 20 quantity × unit-cost items as well as other expenses. Avoid entering delivery or accessories a second time if they are already included in a selected purchase. Your internal hourly cost is an input for the calculation, not a local contractor rate supplied by OKRoomTools.

Markup and margin answer different questions

Markup is calculated as a percentage of cost. A 20% markup on $922 adds $184.40, giving a price before tax of $1,106.40. The formula is cost × (1 + markup percentage / 100).

Margin is calculated as a percentage of the selling price. For a 20% margin, divide $922 by 0.80: the price before tax is $1,152.50. The difference between that price and cost is $230.50, exactly 20% of $1,152.50. The formula is cost ÷ (1 − margin percentage / 100).

Choosing the same percentage does not produce the same price. Neither example is a recommended business rate, a promise of profit, or an allowance for costs you have not entered. Review the figures against the actual scope of the job.

Choose the right document before sharing

Customer estimate presents the work scope and final price before tax. It leaves out the generated internal cost and markup or margin breakdown. Internal budget keeps that breakdown for your own review. Both include your descriptions and notes as entered, so do not put confidential pricing details into a note intended for the customer.

Add optional business and customer details, a reference, validity date, and notes, then choose US Letter or A4. PDF generation runs in the browser; printing is also available. Check the exported document, scope, recipient details, and amounts before sending it yourself.

Know what the estimate does not cover

OKRoomTools does not calculate taxes, convert currencies, create invoices, collect payments, or verify contractual requirements. It also does not determine whether the material or installation method is suitable. The figures use your own prices and assumptions.

The tools are free and need no account. Project inputs and PDF generation stay in your browser; optional browser saving and a downloaded backup help you keep your work. Ordinary website loading still involves the hosting provider. Read the calculation method for rounding rules and limitations, and browse the other planning guides for the material quantities behind your estimate.