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What should you quote?
Break the project into pieces, set your rate, add a cushion for scope creep. Get a total you can defend — plus a deposit and a payment split that protect your cash flow.
The work
- h
- h
- h
The quote
Total project price
$2,933USD
Works out to $98/effective hour after contingency.
Payment schedule
- Deposit · 30% to start$880
- Balance · 70% on completion$2,053
Big project? Split the balance into a milestone partway through so you’re never carrying more than a few weeks of unpaid work.
Common questions
How do I quote a project instead of charging hourly?
Break the work into tasks or phases, estimate the hours for each, and multiply the total by your hourly rate. Add a contingency percentage for revisions, then present it as a single fixed price. The client gets certainty; you keep the upside if you work fast.
How much should I ask for as a deposit?
25–50% upfront is standard for freelance project work. The deposit funds the start of the work and filters out clients who were never serious. For longer projects, add a milestone payment in the middle so you're never carrying more than a few weeks of unpaid work.
What is a contingency buffer and why add one?
A contingency is a percentage added on top of your labour estimate to cover the revisions and small scope additions that nearly every project accumulates. 10–20% is typical. It's not padding — it's pricing the reality that estimates are optimistic.
Should I show the client my hours and rate?
Usually no — quote a fixed total. Itemising hours invites negotiation on the rate rather than the value. Keep the breakdown for yourself; present a clean, rounded project price. This calculator is built so you can do exactly that.
The freelance project lifecycle
Next step
Turn this quote into a real proposal.
Kinako turns your scope into a branded proposal with a deposit built in, sends it as a public link, and chases the follow-up if your client takes their time.