Plants and materials are easy to see on a quote. Loading, equipment hire and the final disposal run can be easier to miss. Bring them into the estimate while you still have room to plan.
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Let’s work it out.
The starting figures are illustrations, not industry benchmarks. Replace them with your own costs and assumptions. Calculations happen in your browser; figures are not saved to your account or sent as analytics properties.
Changes the display label only. It does not convert amounts. Use a consistent basis for tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive figures.
Your planning estimate
- Estimated job price
- AUD 1,033.33
- Total labour hours
- 10 hours
- Job cost allowance
- AUD 775.00
- Planned surplus above allowance
- AUD 258.33
How this calculation works
Crew members × hours per person × hourly labour cost, plus materials, equipment and disposal, gives the job cost allowance. Divide by (1 − target margin) for the estimated price. The hourly allowance must reflect your own full labour costs; wages and regulatory requirements are not calculated here.
A little more context: Keep the quote and invoice connected.
How the calculation works
Crew members × hours per person × hourly labour cost, plus materials, equipment and disposal, gives the job cost allowance. Divide by (1 − target margin) for the estimated price. The hourly allowance must reflect your own full labour costs; wages and regulatory requirements are not calculated here.
A worked example you can change
The tool starts with the illustrative figures below. They demonstrate the calculation; they are not industry averages, recommended rates or promises about what you will earn. All monetary figures in this example are AUD.
Crew members: 2 Hours per crew member: 5 Full hourly labour cost allowance: 35 AUD Plants and materials: 300 AUD Equipment and delivery: 75 AUD Disposal and other direct costs: 50 AUD Target margin on the job: 25% Estimated job price: 1,033.33 AUD Total labour hours: 10 hours Job cost allowance: 775 AUD Planned surplus above allowance: 258.33 AUD
Make the estimate fit your landscaping work
The most useful estimate is one you can explain. Check these details against the actual job or business arrangement before you rely on the result.
- Include site access, delivery arrangements and waste removal in the agreed scope.
- Allow for your real supplier prices and any equipment hire periods, not just the time equipment is in use.
- Confirm site conditions and the process for agreeing variations. Weather and unexpected ground conditions may change the estimate.
What this tool does and does not include
The calculation uses the figures you enter and the method above. It does not fetch market rates, convert currencies, assess demand or calculate tax, payroll or legal obligations. Choose a consistent tax basis for the amounts you enter. Changing display currency changes the label only.
Your inputs stay in this browser page and reset when you leave or reload. You can copy or download a text estimate with its assumptions. If you choose to use Lufu, you can then prepare an actual quote or invoice with the details you have agreed.