Learn how to easily create, manage, and export estimates for your projects.
With magicplan's estimation tool, you can effortlessly create and manage detailed project estimates online.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know:
- How to create an estimate
- Adding line items
- Calculating the cost of an item
- Managing cost rules
- Using templates
- Exporting estimates
- Managing your estimate status
- Creating price lists
- Estimate settings
For step-by-step instructions, just click on the links in each section. Let’s dive in!
ℹ️ Note: The Estimating feature can only be accessed on a tablet connected to internet or on a desktop.
1. How to Create an Estimate
Creating a quote is the first step in defining the costs of your project. In the magicplan Cloud, start by selecting a project or creating a new one, then add basic details such as the project name and customer information. You'll then be ready to build your quote with line items and details.
2. How to Add a Line Item in an Estimate
Line items are the building blocks of your estimate. You can add items for materials, labor, or services by selecting predefined categories or creating custom entries. Enter the quantity and unit cost to calculate totals automatically.
3. How to Calculate the Cost of a Line Item
magicplan makes it easy to calculate costs. As you enter the quantity and unit price, the tool automatically sums up the total for you. You can also apply additional cost rules like taxes or discounts to refine your estimate further.
4. How to Manage Cost Rules
Cost rules help standardize additional fees or discounts across your estimate. You can apply rules like tax rates, markups, or discounts globally or to specific line items. This ensures consistent pricing throughout your project.
5. How to Use Templates
Templates save time and effort by letting you reuse common estimate setups. Templates can include line items, cost rules, and project settings.
6. How to Export My Estimate
Once your estimate is ready, you can export it as a PDF or Excel file. Customize your exports with your company logo, terms, and additional notes to send professional estimates directly to clients or team members.
7. How to Manage My Estimate Status
Tracking the status of your estimates helps keep your workflow organized. You can set and update statuses like Sent, Accepted, Approved, or Rejected to know exactly where each estimate stands in your process.
8. How to Create a Price List
Creating price lists lets you standardize your pricing across multiple estimates. You can add frequently used items and fixed costs to a price list, making them easily available for any new estimate you create.
9. How to Use Estimate Settings
Customize your estimate settings to fit your project needs. You can adjust currency, tax rates, client info, and more from the estimate settings page, giving you precise control over how your estimate is structured.