Design Pricing Calculator

Total Project Price = (Design Hours × Hourly Rate) + (Number of Revisions × Price per Revision). Design Hours are the estimated total hours for creating the initial design, including research, sketching, and finalization. Hourly Rate is your personal or agency billing rate per hour. Number of Revisions is the agreed-upon count of revision rounds beyond the first draft. Price per Revision is the fixed fee charged for each revision round, covering additional work and communication overhead. This formula ensures you are compensated for both the core design effort and the iterative refinement process, preventing scope creep where revisions eat into profit. The revision term is separate because revisions involve unique coordination costs and often require rework of completed elements. By pricing them explicitly, clients understand the value of each change and are incentivized to consolidate feedback. The formula is mathematically straightforward: it sums two independent cost components, each derived from your own rates and scope. It assumes revisions are limited and defined upfront; unlimited revisions would require a different pricing model.

A 'good' total project price depends entirely on your hourly rate, the project scope, and your market. For this calculator, focus on your own costs and value. A reasonable hourly rate for design work can range from $30 for beginners to $150+ for experienced professionals, but you should set it based on your skills and local rates. Revision pricing should cover the time and overhead of each round; a common range is $50 to $200 per revision, but adjust for complexity. The key principle is transparency: clients appreciate knowing what they pay for. Compare your total to similar projects you've done to ensure it feels fair. Avoid pricing too low to win work—undervaluing revisions leads to scope creep. If you're new, start with lower rates and increase as you gain confidence. Always define revision scope clearly (e.g., what constitutes a revision round) to avoid disputes.

Common mistakes include: (1) Forgetting to cap revisions—unlimited revisions can destroy profitability; always set a fixed number. (2) Underestimating design hours—new designers often quote too few hours, leading to underpayment. (3) Pricing revisions too low—if your revision fee is less than the hourly equivalent of the work involved, you lose money. (4) Not accounting for communication time—revisions often include emails and meetings, which should be factored into the revision price. (5) Using the formula for projects with variable scope—this works best for well-defined projects; for ongoing work, consider a retainer. Edge cases: If a client requests a revision that is actually a new feature, treat it as a separate project. Also, if the design hours exceed estimates, you may need to renegotiate—include a clause for overage.

Design Hours

The estimated total hours required to complete the initial design work, from concept to final draft.

Hourly Rate

The amount you charge per hour of design work, reflecting your skill level and market position.

Revision Round

A defined cycle of feedback and changes after the first draft, typically limited in number.

Price per Revision

The fixed fee charged for each revision round, covering the additional design and coordination effort.

Scope Creep

Uncontrolled expansion of project requirements without corresponding price adjustments, often due to unlimited revisions.