How this is calculated
A project total is not a single material quantity. It is materials (with waste), labour, delivery or skip hire, and — for trades — markup. Keeping those lines separate makes it obvious which part of a quote you can check with a calculator and which part is labour.
The result is shown as a ±10% range because local rates and unforeseen work move the number. This tool does not look up regional prices; you supply the inputs from supplier quotes or from the material calculators on this site.
Waste and contingency solve different problems. Waste covers cut material or unavoidable loss, while a separate project contingency should remain available for hidden damage, design changes, and price movement.
Markup is normally zero for a homeowner adding personal costs, but may be relevant when a trade prepares a selling price. Taxes, permits, and finance costs should be entered explicitly if they belong in your decision.
Formula & methodology
Materials with waste = Materials × (1 + waste %). Subtotal = materials with waste + labor + delivery. Total = Subtotal × (1 + markup %). Range = Total × 0.9 to Total × 1.1.
Worked example
Materials $2,400, labor $1,800, delivery $150, 10% waste, 0% markup
- 1.Materials with waste = 2,400 × 1.10 = $2,640
- 2.Subtotal = 2,640 + 1,800 + 150 = $4,590
- 3.No markup → planning total $4,590
- 4.Shown as a range: about $4,130 – $5,050