Direct answer
Multiply crew size by elapsed hours, add plants, equipment, disposal and mobilization, then add overhead and margin from your own records.
| Figure | Source |
|---|---|
| Numbers shown on this page | Fictional worked example; not a market benchmark |
| Formula and definitions | Serman Tools method stated on this page |
| Your quote or operating result | Your verified business inputs |
Convert crew time into person-hours
Three workers on site for four hours create 12 person-hours, not four. Multiply crew size by elapsed time, then multiply person-hours by true labor cost per worker-hour.
True labor cost should reflect the employer costs and nonproductive time appropriate to the business. Wage alone is not the full cost of productive field time.
Keep job-specific costs separate
Plants and hardscape materials behave differently from equipment fuel, disposal and mobilization. Separate lines make it easier to update quantities, apply a reserve and see which assumption changed.
For recurring maintenance, use the actual visit pattern and seasonal workload. Do not assume a one-time installation quote has the same travel and setup economics as a route visit.
Fictional worked example
Assume a three-person crew for four hours at $32 per worker-hour, $250 of plants, $95 of equipment and fuel, $60 of disposal, $45 of mobilization and $100 of allocated overhead. Base cost is $934.
A 5% contingency adds $46.70, making true cost $980.70. At a 30% target margin, the planning price is $1,401.00. The values are examples, not recommended rates.
Weather and rework belong in the assumptions
Weather delays, return visits and plant replacement can change economics. Use a visible contingency that reflects documented experience rather than burying a round number in materials or labor.
If access, soil condition or haul distance is unknown, make the assumption explicit in the quote and update it after the site review.
Check profit per person-hour
Planned profit divided by person-hours creates a useful comparison across jobs of different sizes. It is not employee productivity or accounting profit, but it can reveal quotes that consume a crew without contributing enough to overhead and risk.
Frequently asked questions
Do I price from crew hours or worker-hours?
Use crew hours to estimate duration, then convert them to total person-hours for labor cost.
Where does equipment depreciation go?
Include it in an equipment allowance or overhead allocation, but not both.
Should material waste be added?
Add a documented allowance when breakage, cuts or spoilage are expected and avoid hiding it in labor.
Does the calculator set local market prices?
No. It calculates from your entered costs and margin; it does not observe local demand or competitor rates.
RUN THE NUMBERS
Use your own costs before you quote.
Start with the free Landscaping Job Pricing Calculator. The Home Service Pricing Workbook keeps the related workflow in a downloadable workbook.
Planning and estimation only. No price, rate, revenue, profit or business outcome is guaranteed.