EstimateBusiness & Finance
Autosave
0% done
100%

Click a blue field to typeHeadings and labels are editable tooEnter next fieldAutosaved · pick up where you left offTurn off “Headers and footers” when printing

Estimate

From
Prepared For
Estimate #
Date
Valid Until
Project
Job Location
DescriptionQtyUnit PriceAmount
Subtotal
Tax rate (%)
Sales tax
Estimated TotalUSD
$ 0

Terms & Notes

By signing below, I accept this estimate and authorize the work described above.

Customer Acceptance(Signature)

How to fill out an Estimate

Estimate template preview
Free Estimate template

An estimate, also called a quote, is a document that tells a customer what a job or order is expected to cost before the work begins. It lists the work and materials, prices, terms and how long the offer is valid, and the customer can sign it to approve the job.

How to fill it out

  1. Enter your business details in From and the customer's name and contact information in Prepared For.
  2. Give the estimate a number, today's date and a Valid Until date.
  3. Describe the project and job location.
  4. List each task or material with quantity and unit price — line amounts and the estimated total are calculated for you.
  5. Spell out what is included and excluded, the deposit and payment terms, and the timeline in Terms & Notes.
  6. Send it to the customer and ask them to sign the acceptance line to approve the work.

Tips

  • Break the job into separate line items so the customer can see where the money goes.
  • List exclusions clearly (permits, hidden damage, disposal fees) to avoid disputes later.
  • Set an expiration date — material prices change, and an open-ended estimate can lock you into old prices.
  • Some states have rules for home-improvement contracts, such as written contracts or cancellation notices. Check your state's requirements before starting work.

Estimate example

From
Smith Home Repair LLC
123 Main St
Springfield, IL 62701
(555) 123-4567 · [email protected]
Prepared For
Robert and Linda Garcia
789 Elm St
Springfield, IL 62702
(555) 246-8100
Estimate #
EST-2026-058
Valid Until
November 12, 2026
Project
Bathroom remodel (main floor)
Job Location
789 Elm St, Springfield, IL
Tax rate (%)
0

Terms & Notes

Includes all labor and listed materials. Excludes permit fees and any hidden water damage found during demolition. 30% deposit due on acceptance; balance due on completion. Estimated time: 8–10 working days.

All names, companies and contact details are fictional. Click “Fill sample” above to put this example into the empty fields; click again to remove the parts you did not change.

FAQ

What is the difference between an estimate and a quote?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, an estimate is an approximate price that may change, while a quote is a fixed price for a defined scope. Say which one you mean in your terms.

Is a signed estimate a binding contract?

It can be, depending on what it says and your state's law. A signed estimate shows the customer agreed to the scope and price; for larger jobs, many businesses also use a separate written contract.

How long should an estimate be valid?

Thirty days is common. Use a shorter period if your material costs change quickly.

Related templates

More Business & Finance templates: Packing Slip · Expense Report · Timesheet · Mileage Log · Commercial Invoice · Business Credit Application · Return Authorization Form · Customer Feedback Form · Event Registration Form · Donation Receipt · Pay Stub · Petty Cash Log · Credit Memo · Statement of Account · Change Order · Statement of Work

↑ Fill out the Estimate