Methodology

Transparent assumptions, editable rates.

The calculator estimates painting labor hours, crew duration, labor cost, overhead, and a target selling price from values entered by the visitor.

Labor hours

Man-hours = area x coats / production rate x condition factor

Production rate represents the area one painter completes in one labor hour. The default rates are broad starting benchmarks. Contractors should replace them with rates measured from their own completed jobs.

Loaded labor cost

Base wages = man-hours x hourly wage

Loaded labor cost = base wages + labor burden

Labor burden may include employer payroll taxes, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, benefits, and other employee-related costs above base wage.

Overhead and margin

Break-even cost = loaded labor cost + overhead

Selling price = break-even cost / (1 - target profit margin)

Margin and markup are different. The calculator uses profit margin as a percentage of the final selling price.

Important limitations

The result is a labor-only planning estimate. It does not automatically include paint, primer, sundries, equipment, travel, permits, taxes, financing, warranty work, project contingency, or local legal requirements. Verify every project before submitting a bid.