How to build a quote total
Cost the job, apply a markup and check the deposit.
1
Add labour
Multiply estimated hours by the rate, including travel and setup.
2
Add materials
Use current supplier prices rather than outdated estimates.
3
Apply markup
Markup covers overhead and profit and protects against small surprises.
What does this tool do?
A quote total brings labour and materials together, adds a markup for overhead and profit, and suggests a deposit. It gives a single number to send to the customer before tax and other charges.
The Formula
Quote total = (Labour hours × Rate + Materials) × (1 + Markup %)Frequently Asked Questions
Should the quote show the markup?
Usually not as a separate line. Present the labour and materials lines and the final price; keep the markup internal as a margin and risk buffer.
What deposit is normal?
A 20% to 30% deposit is common for materials-heavy jobs. High-value or custom work may justify a staged payment schedule instead.