Is this project estimator free?

Yes. It is a free, no-signup browser tool. There is no trial, no paywall, and no account.

No. Your estimates are stored locally in your browser using IndexedDB and localStorage. Nothing is sent to a server. Use the Backup tab to export your data as JSON.

Which estimation methods are supported?

Three-point PERT (O+4M+P)/6, three-point average, weighted O/M/P, parametric (quantity × hours per unit), fixed cost, and analogous (reference project × similarity × complexity). Standard deviation and variance are computed for PERT lines.

Does it handle contingency, risk and reserves?

Yes. Configurable contingency %, management reserve %, plus a risk register where each risk has a probability and an impact in cost and hours. Risk exposure feeds into the project total.

Can I split the project into milestones?

Yes. Each milestone uses a percentage of the project total or a fixed amount. The summary checks that the milestones cover the total.

Does it generate a printable PDF?

Yes. The Report tab provides a print-friendly A4 layout with cover, summary, assumptions, exclusions, totals, line items, expenses, risks, timeline, milestone schedule and acceptance block. Use your browser's "Save as PDF" in the print dialog.

No. The estimator is script-driven: formulas, JSON rule lists and configurable options. No AI, no API calls.

What rules does it check?

Missing project management, missing QA on software work, no deployment allowance, no discovery/planning, no documentation, no client revisions, no contingency, no risk register, no warranty/support, browser/device testing on websites, security review on software, milestones not summing to 100%, timeline too short, high complexity with low contingency, pessimistic estimate too tight, fixed-price scope without exclusions, and tender estimate without assumptions.

Can I use it for a tender?

Yes. The tender profile loads tender-style defaults (mobilisation, deliverables, closeout) and the rule engine warns when assumptions and exclusions are missing.

Can I export and import estimates?

Yes. Export a single estimate or all estimates as JSON. Import on another device or after clearing browser data. Schema versioning is included for future migrations.

For freelancers, consultants & agencies · Free · No signup

Free Project Estimator

Build a serious project estimate. PERT three-point estimates, parametric and analogous methods, expenses, risk register, contingency, milestones, a Gantt-style timeline and a printable PDF report.

For solo operators quoting one project or agencies running tenders. Built by Anton de Villiers, the Cape Town developer behind BX1X.

No signup or cloud account.
PERT, weighted, parametric, fixed and analogous estimates.
Roles & rates · expenses · risks · milestones · timeline.
Script-driven rule engine flags missing PM, QA, deployment, milestones not summing to 100%, timeline too short, and more.
Saved locally with IndexedDB. JSON backup export and import.
Printable A4 estimate with cover, totals, line items, charts, milestone schedule and signature blocks.

Important

This tool helps you produce a professional estimate based on the inputs you provide. It is not legal, tax or contractual advice. You remain responsible for the accuracy of your scope, assumptions, exclusions and contractual terms.

Your data is stored only in this browser. If you clear browser data, change devices, or use private browsing, saved data may be lost. Export a JSON backup regularly under the Backup tab.

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Disclaimer: The estimator helps you produce structured project estimates from formulas and configurable rules. It is not legal, tax, accounting or contractual advice. Scope, assumptions, exclusions and any contractual terms remain your responsibility.

In one paragraph

What is the free Project Estimator?

A free browser tool that produces a professional project estimate. PERT three-point estimates, weighted and parametric methods, risk register, contingency, milestones, simple Gantt timeline and a printable PDF report. Records stay in your browser; nothing is uploaded. Built for freelancers, consultants, agencies and project managers who need something stronger than a spreadsheet but lighter than enterprise software. Updated 2026-05-06.

Methods

Estimation methods built in

Pick the right method per task. Mix and match across the same estimate.

PERT three-point

Expected = (Optimistic + 4 × Most likely + Pessimistic) / 6. Standard deviation = (P − O) / 6.

Weighted

Custom weights for O, M and P (defaults 1:4:1). Use when your domain has its own bias.

Parametric

Quantity × hours per unit. Number of pages × hours per page; number of API endpoints × hours per endpoint.

Analogous

Reference project hours × similarity % × complexity multiplier. Useful for repeat work.

Fixed

Flat amount, no hours. Useful for sub-contracted scopes and fixed-price line items.

Three-point average

Simple (O + M + P) / 3 for fast, equal-weight planning estimates.

How to

Estimate a project in 7 steps

Same flow for a freelance gig, a website project or a multi-month software platform.

Open the project estimator. Open the tool in any modern browser. No account, no signup. Your estimates stay on your device.
Pick an estimate profile. Choose Software, Website, Consulting, Tender, Freelancer or Custom. Each profile loads sensible default tasks, milestones and warning rules.
Capture project info. Project name, client, currency, hourly rate, working hours per day, complexity, contingency, markup and VAT.
Estimate the work. Use the work breakdown table to add phases and tasks. Choose a method per task: PERT, weighted, parametric, fixed, or analogous.
Add expenses, risks and milestones. Capture hosting, licenses, subcontractors. Capture risks with probability and impact. Split payment into milestones.
Review warnings, charts and timeline. The rule engine flags missing items (PM, QA, deployment, contingency, milestones not summing to 100%, timeline too short). Charts and a Gantt view are auto-generated.
Print the report. Use the Report tab to print a professional A4 PDF estimate with cover, summary, line items, expenses, risks, timeline and signature blocks.

Outgrowing this tool?

When you need more than a browser estimate

Use this free tool when one person quotes one project at a time. When you need multi-user access, audit trails, integrations and an estimate-to-billing pipeline, you need a custom platform.

Advanced platform

BX1X Business Operations

A broader platform for billing, bookings, CRM, inventory, accounting and connected workflows.

Explore BX1X ›Service

Custom platform applications

Estimating, billing, CRM and audit trails, built around your specific business workflows.

Learn more ›

Need an estimate-to-billing pipeline?

Talk to a Cape Town developer who has built business systems for SA companies for years.

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