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張旭豐
張旭豐

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A tiny pricing calculator for freelance scope changes

#freelance #pricing #calculator #programming

The Pricing Formula I Wish I Had When I Started

You built something great. But when it comes to pricing — you freeze.

"Am I charging too much?" "What if they lowball me?" "I don't even have an offer page..."

This formula fixes that in 10 minutes.

The Formula 

PROJECT_PRICE = HOURLY × ESTIMATED_HOURS × COMPLEXITY × 1.2
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  • HOURLY: Your base rate
  • COMPLEXITY: 1.0 (simple) to 2.5 (very complex)
  • 1.2: Scope creep buffer (20%)

Example: $100/hr × 20hrs × 1.5 × 1.2 = $3,600

Concrete Example (Hypothetical)

Let's say you're pricing a custom dashboard project:

Input Value
Hourly Rate $75/hr
Estimated Hours 40 hrs
Complexity 1.5 (medium, data viz + auth)
Scope Buffer × 1.2

$75 × 40 × 1.5 × 1.2 = $5,400

Without the buffer: $75 × 40 × 1.5 = $4,500
The extra $900 covers the inevitable "can you just add a export feature?"

Copy-Paste Calculator (Works Immediately)

Option A: JavaScript (embed anywhere) 

function calcPrice(hourly, hours, complexity) {
  const base = hourly * hours;
  const withComplexity = base * complexity;
  const withBuffer = withComplexity * 1.2;
  return Math.round(withBuffer);
}
// Usage: calcPrice(100, 20, 1.5) → 3600
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Option B: Google Sheets

Field Your Value
Hourly Rate $
Estimated Hours
Complexity (1.0–2.5)
Scope Buffer (20%) × 1.2
Final Price =B2*B3*B4*B5

Option C: Markdown Pricing Table 

| Service | Base Price | Add-ons |
|---------|-----------|---------|
| Basic | $___ | Extra revisions +$___ |
| Standard | $___ | Priority support +$___ |
| Premium | $___ | Full ownership +$___ |
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Why the 1.2 Buffer?

Every project gets scope creep. The 1.2 multiplier (20%) covers:

  • Unclear requirements that surface mid-project
  • "Can you just add..." syndrome
  • Revision rounds you didn't plan for

Without it, you're guaranteed to lose money on complex projects.

Decision Checklist: Should You Use This Formula?

Answer these 4 questions before you price your next project:

  • [ ] Do I have a written scope document (even if brief)?
  • [ ] Have I identified the complexity factors specific to this project?
  • [ ] Is my hourly rate based on actual market rates, not just "what feels fair"?
  • [ ] Does the client understand what's included vs. what costs extra?

If you answered "no" to 2 or more — before using the formula, get a quick scope review. That's exactly what the $10 tier below is for.

What I Would Review For $5 / $10

$5 — Quick Teardown (3 Specific Fixes)

  • I read your current offer page or project description
  • I give you 3 specific changes to your pricing or positioning
  • Focus: what's driving away your best-fit clients
  • 24-hour delivery

$10 — Deeper Review + Rewritten Angle

  • Everything in the $5 tier, plus:
  • I rewrite your headline or pitch for one specific page
  • I give you a concrete outreach angle for your next pitch
  • Best for: pricing pages that get traffic but no conversions

$10 Delivery Terms:

  • Format: Written review in Google Doc or PDF
  • Timeline: 24 hours from payment confirmation
  • Scope: One project scope or pricing page, up to 2,000 words
  • What's included: Specific adjustments, not a full rewrite

→ Send $10 via PayPal

After payment, send me your pricing page or project description.

FAQ

Q: I'm just starting out. Should I still charge the buffer?

A: Yes — especially when starting. Clients at early stages often have the least clarity about what they want. The buffer protects you from scope expansion on projects where you have the least leverage to renegotiate.

Q: What if the client pushes back on the buffer?

A: Frame it as part of the base calculation, not an add-on. "My rate is $X, and the complexity factor accounts for the typical scope changes I see at this level." Most clients accept this without negotiation.

Q: I don't have an offer page yet. Can I still use this?

A: Yes. Use the formula to price your first proposal. Then come back and get a $5 review before you send it.

Q: How do I know if my complexity factor is accurate?

A: Start at 1.5 (medium). Go higher if: the client is in a regulated industry, requirements have changed before, or you're integrating with legacy systems. Go lower only if the scope is genuinely simple and well-defined.

Q: The buffer feels like I'm overcharging. What do I tell the client?

A: Don't frame it as a buffer. Frame it as "scope protection for both of us." If the project stays clean, they benefit. If scope expands, you're both prepared. Most clients understand this intuitively.

Need Help?

If the formula leaves you with more questions than answers, send me a message or drop a comment below with your specific situation.

Related

Disclosure: This post is my own work and may include AI-assisted editing/research where applicable.
If this helped you, you can support my work at: https://paypal.me/cheapuno
No tracking. No affiliate links.

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