GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Job Contingency Calculator

A contingency is an allowance for uncertainty, not hidden profit. Keeping it separate from markup keeps the estimate honest and the client informed.

JOB INPUTS

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Estimated cost before contingency and markup

$
Estimated cost before contingency and markup

Allowance for uncertainty, separate from markup

%
Allowance for uncertainty, separate from markup

Markup applied to cost plus contingency

%
Markup applied to cost plus contingency
Results update automatically
CALCULATED RESULTUSD
Price with contingency and markup$101,200.00
Contingency$8,000.00
Cost + contingency$88,000.00
Markup$13,200.00
FORMULA USED$80,000.00 + 10.0% contingency = $88,000.00 + 15.0% markup = $101,200.00

HOW TO USE IT

How to use the Job Contingency Calculator

  1. 1

    Define the base cost: The base cost is the estimate before contingency and markup. It should cover known scope, labor and materials.

  2. 2

    Apply contingency separately: Contingency is a percentage of the base cost for uncertainty. Ten percent on $80,000 is $8,000, kept as its own line.

  3. 3

    Mark up the cost plus contingency: Apply markup to the combined base plus contingency. A 15% markup on $88,000 is $13,200.

  4. 4

    Show the pieces: The price is base + contingency + markup. On $80,000 that is $88,000 + $13,200 = $101,200. Use the Job Contingency Calculator to keep the split visible.

THE MATH

Job contingency calculation method

Apply a contingency percentage to the base cost, then apply markup to the cost plus contingency. On $80,000 with 10% contingency and 15% markup, contingency is $8,000 and the price is $101,200.

Contingency is a percentage of the base cost for uncertainty. Ten percent on $80,000 is $8,000, kept as its own line.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

Worked example for Job contingency

Apply a contingency percentage to the base cost, then apply markup to the cost plus contingency. On $80,000 with 10% contingency and 15% markup, contingency is $8,000 and the price is $101,200.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do you set job contingency?

Apply a contingency percentage to the base cost, then apply markup to the cost plus contingency. On $80,000 with 10% contingency and 15% markup, contingency is $8,000 and the price is $101,200.

What should I verify before using the result?

Name what the contingency covers. A defined allowance is easier for a client to accept.

Is this a final quote or design?

No. Use it as a planning estimate, then confirm measurements, local rates, product requirements, permits and jobsite conditions before bidding or building.