Build a Trade Quote — Free Quote Calculator for UK Builders and Electricians
Enter materials, labour hours, day rate, markup, and VAT to generate a professional quote breakdown with CIS deductions.
What This Calculator Does
This tool generates a professional quote breakdown showing materials, labour, markup, VAT, and optional CIS deductions. It's designed for UK trades — builders, electricians, plumbers, and decorators — who build quotes in spreadsheets and want to check their numbers before sending.
The trade presets set a typical day rate for each trade, but you can override this with your own rate. Markup is applied to the materials + labour subtotal. 10-20% is common for UK trades, though it varies by job type and competition.
How to Interpret the Results
The total to customer is the amount on your quote. If CIS is included, the deduction line shows what the contractor withholds from the labour portion — this doesn't change the customer price, but it affects the net amount the subcontractor receives.
If your quote looks too high, check materials costs against current supplier prices and consider whether your day rate reflects the local market. If it looks too low, make sure your markup covers overhead (van, insurance, tools, downtime between jobs) — not just profit.
This tool provides a quote structure for reference. Always verify VAT treatment and CIS obligations for your specific situation with a qualified accountant.
Related guides
How to Write a Job Quotation That Wins Work and Protects Your Margins
Step-by-step guide to writing a professional job quotation for UK trades — with templates, pricing tips, and margin protection strategies.
Quotation and Invoice Software: What UK Trades Should Look For
What UK builders, plumbers, and electricians should look for in quotation and invoice software — features, pricing, and common traps to avoid.