Portfolio Cost Calculator

Calculate Portfolio Cost step by step: Portfolio cost = sum of project costs + shared portfolio costs.

In short

Formula: Portfolio cost = sum of project costs + shared portfolio costs.

Complete the required fields to see the result.

What this calculator does

Calculate Portfolio Cost step by step: Portfolio cost = sum of project costs + shared portfolio costs. Worked example, questions and limitations included.

Use it to turn Currency (symbol only, never converted), Project 1 cost, Project 2 cost, Project 3 cost, 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 pmo calculation.

Inputs and what they mean

Currency (symbol only, never converted): — choice value.
Project 1 cost: — number value.
Project 2 cost: — number value.
Project 3 cost: — number value.
Project 4 cost: — number value.
Project 5 cost: — number value.
Portfolio office and shared costs: — number 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

Aggregation as described in PMI's Standard for Portfolio Management.

Shared costs (PMO staff, tools) are shown separately so they are not hidden inside projects.

Use the same basis (budget, EAC or actuals) for every project.

Portfolio cost = sum of project costs + shared portfolio costs.

Inputs used: Currency (symbol only, never converted), Project 1 cost, Project 2 cost, Project 3 cost, Project 4 cost, Project 5 cost, Portfolio office and shared costs.

Worked example

Five projects

Projects = 480,000.
Total = $520,000; shared = 7.7%.

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.

Limitations and assumptions

Five lines only.
Single currency.
No time-phasing.
Results are planning estimates built only from the figures you enter. They are not a guarantee of cost, schedule or delivery, and they do not replace your organisation's own project controls.
The result depends on the values you enter for this portfolio cost calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.

Common questions

Budgets or forecasts?

Either, but do not mix them. EAC-based totals show where the portfolio is heading.

Where do shared costs go?

Keep them visible. Allocating them into projects can be done afterwards if your finance team requires it.

More than five projects?

Group them into five lines or sum programmes first. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real pmo decision.

How do I use the Portfolio Cost Calculator?

Enter the required values for Currency (symbol only, never converted), Project 1 cost, Project 2 cost, Project 3 cost, Project 4 cost, 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 Portfolio Cost Calculator use?

Portfolio cost = sum of project costs + shared portfolio costs. 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 Portfolio Cost 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.