Contractor Bid Calculator

Calculate contractor bid step by step: Bid = (direct + overhead + contingency) × (1 + markup), or ÷ (1 − margin).

In short

Formula: Bid = (direct + overhead + contingency) × (1 + markup), or ÷ (1 − margin).

Complete the required fields to see the result.

What this calculator does

Calculate contractor bid step by step: Bid = (direct + overhead + contingency) × (1 + markup), or ÷ (1 − margin). Worked example, questions and limitations included.

Use it to turn Currency, Material quantity, Material unit price, Labor hours, and the other shown inputs into a checked result you can compare, copy, or rerun with different assumptions.

The page shows the formula, a numeric worked example, and the assumptions that affect this construction calculation.

Inputs and what they mean

Currency: — choice value.
Material quantity: — number value.
Material unit price: — number value.
Labor hours: — number value.
Labor rate: — number value.
Equipment hours: — number value.
Equipment rate: — number value.
Subcontractor amount: — number value.
Overhead: — number value.
Contingency: — number value.
Profit: — number value.
Profit applied as: — choice value.

How to use it

Enter each value in the unit shown next to the box (use the unit converter first if your numbers are in other units).
Check the breakdown to see every intermediate step.
Read the limitations before relying on the result.

Formula

Profit method is selectable: markup on cost or margin on price.

Margin must be below 100%.

The breakdown shows the effective profit as a share of price for either method.

Bid = (direct + overhead + contingency) × (1 + markup), or ÷ (1 − margin).

Inputs used: Currency, Material quantity, Material unit price, Labor hours, Labor rate, Equipment hours, Equipment rate, Subcontractor amount, and other shown inputs.

Worked example

Bid for the small slab job

Material 20 × 150 = 3,000; labor 66.7 × 45 = 3,001.50; equipment 10 × 120 = 1,200; subcontractor 2,000.
Direct cost = 9,201.50.
Overhead 10% = 920.15; contingency 5% = 460.08 → 10,581.73.
Markup 10% = 1,058.17 → 11,639.90.

Reading the result

The headline figure is the main answer. Any breakdown underneath shows the parts that make it up, so you can check the working and see what changes when you adjust an input.

Reference price tables

No reference prices are configured. Enter your own prices and rates — this site never assumes them.

Limitations and assumptions

All prices, rates and percentages are user-entered.
One material line — add other materials into a combined quantity or run separately.
Taxes, bonds and insurance are not included unless you put them in overhead.
Results are estimates for planning and learning. Real designs, installations and bids must be checked by a qualified, licensed professional against the codes that apply where you work.
The result depends on the values you enter for this contractor bid calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.

Common questions

Why are all prices blank?

Material prices, wages and rates vary by region and change often. The site never assumes them; enter your own or copy from a configured price table.

What is the difference between markup and margin?

Markup is a percentage of cost (price = cost × (1 + p)); margin is a percentage of price (price = cost ÷ (1 − p)). 10% margin gives a higher price than 10% markup.

Why are overhead and contingency on direct cost?

This is a common estimating convention. If your company applies them differently, adjust the percentages to match.

How do I use the Contractor Bid Calculator?

Enter the required values for Currency, Material quantity, Material unit price, Labor hours, Labor rate, and the other fields shown. The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.

What formula does the Contractor Bid Calculator use?

Bid = (direct + overhead + contingency) × (1 + markup), or ÷ (1 − margin). The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.

Can the Contractor Bid Calculator be used for exact decisions?

Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.