Free · Itemised cost estimates with GST · Word and PDF · Nothing uploaded
Estimate Generator: Clear Cost Estimates Your Clients Can Trust
Add the client, the project and the cost items, grouped into sections. Discount, contingency, CGST + SGST or IGST and the total in words are worked out, and you can show a likely range so the client knows the final bill may differ. Style every part and download Word or PDF.
- Add the client and project
- List and group the costs
- Style, download and send
Estimate settings
The estimate
Your business and letterhead
Client
The project
Cost items
Give items a section, such as Flooring or Kitchen, to group them with subtotals.
Exclusions, payment and terms
Sign-off
Make your signature with our Signature Generator.
Before you send it
Ready-made styles
Whole estimate
One part of the estimate
What this estimate generator does, and what it doesn't
✓What it does
- Builds a clear cost estimate: client, project, scope, cost items grouped into sections with subtotals, terms and signatures, on A4 pages you see as you type.
- Does the arithmetic: line amounts, discount, an optional contingency, CGST + SGST or IGST, round off and the total in words.
- Shows a likely range, such as ±10%, so the client knows the final bill can differ.
- Lists what is not included and the payment schedule, which prevents most disputes later.
- Stays in your browser. Nothing is uploaded. Download a real Word .docx file or a PDF, styled your way.
✕What it doesn't do
- Know your rates. Quantities and rates come from you; the tool only adds them up.
- Promise a fixed price. An estimate is an approximation. To commit to a price, send a quotation instead.
- Decide your GST rate. Check the rate for your work with your accountant.
Estimate, quotation or proforma invoice?
| Question | Estimate | Quotation | Proforma invoice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Approximate; the final bill can differ | Fixed for the quoted scope, while it is valid | The expected bill, before the sale |
| Used when | The scope or quantities are not fully known yet | The scope is clear and you want to commit to a price | The order is agreed and the buyer needs a document for advance payment or import |
| Binding? | Usually not, though it should be made in good faith | Becomes binding once the client accepts it | No; the tax invoice follows |
| Tool | This page | Quotation Generator | Proforma Invoice Generator |
How to make a cost estimate
Number and date it
Add the estimate number, date and a "valid until" date. 30 days is filled in for you.
Add the client and project
Client name and address, the project, type of work, site and how long it will take.
List the costs
Add items with quantity, unit and rate. Give them sections, such as Flooring or Kitchen, to get subtotals.
Set the totals
Add a discount, a contingency for surprises, GST, and a likely range if you want one.
Say what is excluded
List what the estimate doesn't cover, the payment schedule and your terms.
Style and send
Pick a style in Design, download Word or PDF, and ask the client to sign if they accept.
What a good estimate includes
A clear scope
What the work covers, in plain words, so the client knows what the price is for.
Itemised costs
Quantities, units and rates, grouped by section, instead of one lump sum.
Exclusions
What is not included. This is where most surprises and disputes come from.
A validity date
Prices of material and labour change, so say how long the estimate holds.
An honest margin
A contingency or a likely range tells the client the final bill may differ.
Payment schedule
When each part is paid, tied to stages of the work.
Frequently asked questions
Is this estimate generator free?
Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no limit. Everything is made in your browser, including the Word and PDF files.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No. Client details, rates, logo and signature stay in your browser. Your last estimates are saved only in this browser, so clearing your browser data removes them.
What is the difference between an estimate and a quotation?
An estimate is an approximate cost, used when the scope or quantities are not fully known; the final bill can differ. A quotation is a fixed price for a defined scope, and it becomes binding once the client accepts it. Use our Quotation Generator when you want to commit to a price.
Is an estimate legally binding?
Usually not as a fixed price, because it is an approximation. It should still be made in good faith, and if the client signs it and work starts, its terms can become part of the agreement. Say clearly that the final bill may differ. This tool is a drafting aid, not legal advice.
What is a contingency?
An extra percentage, often 5 to 10%, added to cover surprises such as hidden damage or price rises. The tool shows it as a separate line so the client can see it.
What does the likely range mean?
If you enter, say, 10%, the estimate shows a range from 10% below to 10% above the total. It is an honest way to show that the final cost can vary.
Can I group costs by section?
Yes. Give each item a section, such as Flooring, Kitchen or Painting. The table groups the items under each section, numbers them 1.1, 1.2 and so on, and adds a subtotal for each section.
Can I download it in Word?
Yes. Download a real Word .docx file with your letterhead, tables and signature, or choose PDF / Print and Save as PDF. Turn on "Background graphics" in the print window to keep background colours.