Skilful DesignersHow the quote is built
Quote = hours × rate × (1 + contingency) + VAT
Break the job into stages and estimate each one. It is far easier to guess "four hours of research" than "a logo", and the stages remind you of the time that is easy to forget: calls, emails, preparing files in every format, and the revision round that always happens. Add contingency on top for the overruns you cannot foresee.
Then turn it into a fixed price. Tell the client what they get, such as "logo in three concepts, two rounds of revisions, final files in SVG, PNG and PDF", not how many hours it took. Write the number of revision rounds into the quote, so extra rounds can be charged. A design brief agreed at the start makes this much easier.
Worked example: small brand identity
Using the default stages: 32 hours at £50 is £1,600. Add 15% contingency (£240) for a fee of £1,840. If you are VAT registered, add £368 for a total of £2,208. A 50% deposit is £920 before VAT, or £1,104 with it.
Frequently asked questions
Should I show the client my hours?
Usually not. Use hours to work out your price, then quote a fixed price for clearly described deliverables. Showing hours invites the client to haggle over each line, and it caps what you can earn when you work quickly.
How much contingency should I add to a design quote?
Between 10 and 20% is common. Use the higher end for new clients, vague briefs, or jobs with several people signing off. Contingency covers the small overruns every project has; changes to the scope should be quoted separately.
How much deposit should a freelance designer ask for?
Many designers ask for 50% before starting and the rest on delivery. For larger projects, split it into three: a deposit, a payment after concepts are approved, and the balance before final files are released.
Do I have to charge VAT on my quote?
Only if you are VAT registered. If you are, show prices with VAT added and include your VAT number on the invoice. If you are not, do not add VAT.
Cite this tool
Skilful Designers. “Design Project Quote Calculator.” https://skillfuldesigners.co.uk/design-project-quote-calculator/ (updated 3 November 2026). Built by Sumair Roudani.