How many m² is your plan, and roughly what will it cost?
The approximate construction cost is calculated from your plan's gross area and the quality class you choose, then split into shell, finishes and building services. Walk into the budget talk with numbers.
The sample calculator is for members. Sign in or create an account now.
The unit cost is a sample value; enter your own based on your region and the date. Land, design fees, permits and charges are not included.
Gross area × unit cost × quality
On the Pro plan, the calculation comes from your plan: the take-off gives the quantities of walls, slabs, doors and windows, wet areas and building services, and each item is multiplied by its unit price. The result is a budget threshold, not a final cost estimate.
Structural works
Foundations, structural system, walls and roof. The item most directly tied to area; the number of floors and ground conditions move it.
Finishing works
Plaster, paint, flooring, window and door frames, kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This is where the quality class makes the biggest difference.
MEP
Electrical, plumbing, heating. The number of wet areas and sockets is read from the MEP layer.
Contingency
The share every budget needs. Surprises from the ground, price rises and design changes are covered here; otherwise they get cut from the finishes, and that shows in the result.
Quantity and material schedule
On the Pro plan, wall lengths, door and window counts, floor area and MEP symbols are listed in a schedule; enter unit prices and you get a cost estimate summary. You can take it to CAD via DXF and continue with an engineer.
Quick method and cost estimate from the plan
The calculator above shows the quick method: you type in the area and unit price, and it is split into four items at fixed ratios. The Pro module takes quantities from the plan you draw and multiplies 16 items by their unit prices; you choose floor, door and window, and kitchen quality separately, and it compares the result with the quick method.
- Gross area
- Sample: typed in by hand · Pro: automatic from the plan's outer outline
- Items
- Sample: fixed ratios 45% / 35 / 12 / 8 · Pro: 16 separate items from the take-off, adjustable contingency
- Quality class
- Sample: three multipliers · Pro: per item (flooring, window and door frames, kitchen chosen separately)
- Quantities
- Sample: none · Pro: wall m, door/window count, floor m², symbol count
- Unit price
- Sample: a single value · Pro: itemized list, saved with the project
- Export
- Sample: total on screen · Pro: cost estimate summary PDF, material schedule, DXF
- Staying current
- Sample: when you change it · Pro: the figure changes when the plan changes
Draw the plan first, let the cost come from the plan.
Draw your plan on the Free plan; with Pro, area, quantity take-off and cost estimate summary come straight from the plan via the editor's Save menu.
No credit card needed · No install · Paid plans are paid through Paddle
Frequently asked questions
How reliable is the calculation?
It's a rough estimate; think of it as within ±20%. An exact figure needs a quantity take-off and cost estimate, prepared by an engineer or contractor.
Where do I find the unit cost?
From current construction cost data for your region, or from a contractor who has given you a quote. The value in the calculator is a sample; enter your own.
Are land and permits included?
No. The calculation covers construction cost only. Land, design fees, permits and charges are added separately.
Can I use it for renovations too?
Since demolition and the condition of the existing building aren't included, it's rougher for renovations; it's more accurate to look at the finishes item on its own.