Contractor Overhead Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the contractor overhead calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Overhead Rate

overhead_rate = revenue > 0 ? (overhead_costs / revenue) * 100 : 0

Revenue After Overhead

revenue_after_overhead = revenue - overhead_costs

Monthly Overhead

monthly_overhead = overhead_costs / 12

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
overhead_costsTotal Overhead Costs(USD)45000
revenueTotal Revenue(USD)300000

How It Works

How to Calculate Contractor Overhead Rate

Formula

Overhead Rate = (Overhead Costs / Revenue) x 100

Overhead includes all indirect costs of running your business: insurance, rent, utilities, vehicle expenses, office supplies, accounting, marketing, and administrative salaries. Knowing your overhead rate helps you price jobs correctly.

Worked Example

A contractor has $45,000 in annual overhead costs and $300,000 in annual revenue.

overhead_costs = 45000revenue = 300000
  1. 01Overhead rate = ($45,000 / $300,000) x 100 = 15%
  2. 02Revenue after overhead = $300,000 - $45,000 = $255,000
  3. 03Monthly overhead = $45,000 / 12 = $3,750

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Contractor Overhead Calculator