Labour
Don't know your day rate? Calculate it here.
You can use decimals — e.g. 0.5 for half a day, 1.5 for a day and a half.
Materials
Standard is 20–30%. This covers sourcing time and material risk.
Additional Costs
Profit & VAT
How to price a job correctly as a UK tradesperson
Pricing jobs accurately is one of the most important skills a self-employed tradesperson can develop. Price too high and you lose the work. Price too low and you might do the job at a loss. This calculator helps you build a proper quote that covers everything and makes you money.
Should you mark up materials?
Yes — and most tradespeople don't charge enough for this. When you supply materials, you're providing a service beyond just buying things. You're using your expertise to select the right product, your trade account to get a better price, your time to source and collect, and your van to transport. A 20–30% markup is standard and completely reasonable.
If a customer questions your materials markup, you can explain it simply: "My price includes sourcing the right products for the job, collecting them, and handling any returns if there's a problem." Most reasonable customers will accept this.
Fixed price vs day rate — which should you use?
For straightforward jobs with predictable scope, a fixed price quote is better for the customer and makes you look more professional. Use a day rate when the scope is genuinely uncertain — for example, renovation work where you don't know what you'll find behind the walls.
Frequently asked questions
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How much should I mark up materials as a tradesperson?Most UK tradespeople apply a 20–30% markup on materials. A 25% markup is standard practice. This covers the time spent sourcing materials, the cost of your trade account, the risk of ordering wrong quantities, and the value of your expertise in selecting the right products.
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Should I add VAT to my quote?Only if you are VAT registered. The VAT registration threshold is £90,000 in turnover over a 12-month period. If registered, you must charge 20% VAT on top of your quote and pay this to HMRC quarterly. Always state clearly whether your quote is inclusive or exclusive of VAT.
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What deposit should I ask for upfront?For most jobs, a deposit of 20–30% is standard. For large jobs with significant material costs, you may ask for up to 50% upfront to cover materials. Always provide a written quote and payment terms when taking a deposit.
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How long should my quote be valid for?Standard practice is 30 days. This protects you against material price increases. For larger projects where material prices are volatile, you may want to specify 14 days. Always state the validity period on your written quote.