Free calculator
Scope creep cost calculator
Every "quick extra" on a fixed-fee project lowers what you earn per hour. Enter your fee, your estimate and the extras the client has asked for to see exactly how much your rate drops, and what to charge instead. Runs in your browser, no signup.
Original effective hourly rate
$75.00/hr
Effective rate if you absorb 13 extra hours unpaid
$56.60/hr
Drops by $18.40/hr (24.5% less)
Change order to charge at your original rate
$975.00
13 hrs x $75.00/hr
How to use it
- Enter the fixed fee you agreed for the project and the hours you estimated when you quoted it.
- Add each extra request the client has made that wasn't in the original scope, with a rough hour estimate.
- Pick a rush multiplier if the client wants the extras without moving the deadline.
- Read the two rates: what you planned to earn per hour, and what you actually earn if you do the extras for free.
- Use the change order amount as your price, and send it before you start the extra work.
Got your number? Put it in writing with the free change order template, or send the client one of these scope creep email templates. For more on pricing extras, read how to charge for extra work.
Track every extra automatically
ScopeLine stores your original deal, logs each extra request against it, totals the unpaid scope creep and turns it into a change order the client can approve. Free for 3 active projects, no card.
Start free on ScopeLineFAQ
- How is the effective hourly rate calculated?
- Effective hourly rate is the project fee divided by the hours you actually work. The calculator divides your fee by the original estimate, then by the original estimate plus all extra hours, to show the rate with and without the unpaid extras.
- How is the change order amount calculated?
- It multiplies the total extra hours by your original effective hourly rate, then by the rush multiplier if you picked one. That prices the extras at the same rate the client already accepted.
- When should I add a rush multiplier?
- When the client wants the extra work without moving the delivery date, so you have to work evenings, weekends or push other clients. Many freelancers charge 25% to 100% more for rush work; state the rate in your contract so it isn't a surprise.
- Is my data saved or sent anywhere?
- No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser and nothing you type is stored or sent to a server.
- What if the extra request is tiny?
- Log it anyway. Small requests are where scope creep hides: five 30-minute favours are 2.5 unpaid hours. You can choose to waive one as goodwill, but name it as a freebie so the client knows it had a value.
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