Subcontractor Quote Calculator

Calculate subcontractor quote step by step: Levelled quote = quote + excluded items.

In short

Formula: Levelled quote = quote + excluded items. Carried amount = levelled × (1 + handling markup). Retainage held = quote × retainage%.

Complete the required fields to see the result.

What this calculator does

Calculate subcontractor quote step by step: Levelled quote = quote + excluded items. Worked example, questions and limitations included.

Use it to turn Currency, Subcontractor quote, Value of items excluded from the quote, Your handling / coordination markup, 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.
Subcontractor quote: — number value.
Value of items excluded from the quote: — Work you must add because the sub excluded it.
Your handling / coordination markup: — number value.
Retainage to hold back: — 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

Levelling adds excluded scope so different quotes can be compared fairly.

All figures are entered; no rates are assumed.

Retainage is held from the sub's payments, not added to your bid.

Levelled quote = quote + excluded items. Carried amount = levelled × (1 + handling markup). Retainage held = quote × retainage%.

Inputs used: Currency, Subcontractor quote, Value of items excluded from the quote, Your handling / coordination markup, Retainage to hold back.

Worked example

Electrical sub quote

Levelled = 20,000 + 1,500 = 21,500.
Carried = 21,500 × 1.05 = 22,575.
Retainage held = 20,000 × 10% = 2,000.

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

Single quote at a time.
Exclusion values are your estimates.
No tax treatment.
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 subcontractor quote calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.

Common questions

What is quote levelling?

Adjusting quotes for missing or extra scope so they can be compared like for like before choosing a subcontractor. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real construction decision.

Why add a handling markup?

Managing a subcontractor costs supervision, coordination and risk. Many general contractors recover this with a markup.

Is retainage a cost?

No. It is money held back from payments until completion, not an extra charge.

How do I use the Subcontractor Quote Calculator?

Enter the required values for Currency, Subcontractor quote, Value of items excluded from the quote, Your handling / coordination markup, Retainage to hold back. 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 Subcontractor Quote Calculator use?

Levelled quote = quote + excluded items. Carried amount = levelled × (1 + handling markup). Retainage held = quote × retainage%. 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 Subcontractor Quote 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.