Freelance Project Estimate Template

A freelance estimate gives a prospective client a clear price before they commit. This template works for any field. It prices a project by stage, from kickoff to handoff, lists optional support on its own, and states the hourly rate for anything beyond the scope.

  • Discovery
  • Delivery
  • Handoff
  • Optional
  • Online approval by your client
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it when a client asks what a project would cost, before you send a full proposal or contract.

The full template

Every line, price, and note is yours to change when you use the template in Clientary, and your client's details fill in from their record.

In the editor, the totals add up as you type. Once you send it, your client accepts it online, and it's ready to become an invoice. Edit this template online

Project Estimate

A fixed-price project from kickoff to handoff, with a project plan you approve before the work starts, two rounds of revisions, and final files ready to use. Ongoing support after handoff is optional and listed separately.

Discovery
Kickoff call and project plan$600.00
Delivery
First draft of all deliverables$2,000.00
Two rounds of revisions$800.00
Final files in the agreed formats$400.00
Handoff
Walkthrough call and handoff notes$300.00
Optional
Ongoing support after handoff (months) (3)$1,200.00
Total$5,300.00

Notes

This estimate is valid for 30 days. A 50% deposit is due on signing, and the balance on handoff. Work beyond the scope is billed at $95 per hour, only with your approval first.

Once you're ready to go ahead, I'll send a proposal with the timeline and terms.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any line item, price, or note, or add your own. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your estimate is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it for approval. Your client accepts it online, and you can turn it into an invoice or a project.

Learn more about estimates in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an estimate and a quote?

The words are often used interchangeably. Some freelancers use estimate for an approximate price and quote for a fixed one. Say clearly which you mean, and for how long the price holds.

How do freelancers estimate a project?

Break the work into stages, estimate the hours for each from similar past projects, add time for meetings and revisions, and multiply by your rate. Then round to a fixed price the client can approve.

Is this freelance project estimate template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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