General estimating calculator

Construction markup calculator

Convert direct cost and a stated markup into a transparent customer price.

Calculator result and formula

Price with markup: 1150 USD

Formula: Direct cost × (1 + markup)

Formula ID: GEN-MARKUP-001 · Version 1.0.0.

Inputs

  • Direct cost: Materials, labour, equipment, and other direct cost before markup Default: 1000.
  • Markup: Markup percentage applied to direct cost Default: 15.

How this calculator works

This calculator keeps the relationship between direct cost, markup amount and customer price visible for preliminary estimating.

  1. Enter the cost basis you intend to mark up.
  2. Enter the markup percentage, not margin percentage.
  3. Review taxes, discounts, overhead and contract terms separately before issuing a quote.

Worked example: Example: a $1,000 direct cost with 15% markup produces a $150 markup amount and a $1,150 customer price before separately treated discount or tax.

Assumptions and limitations

  • Markup is calculated on direct cost, not on customer price.
  • Discount, tax, overhead and contingency require their own explicit estimate components.
  • Currency is shown as USD in this MVP calculator.

Common questions

Is markup the same as profit margin?
No. Markup is calculated on cost; margin is calculated on selling price. Use the measure required by your pricing policy.
Does this set a market price?
No. It is a transparent arithmetic aid, not a recommendation for project pricing.

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