Planning estimate
Scope creep cost calculator
Use your normal rate and an honest estimate of delivery and admin time. The result is the value of capacity being absorbed—not an automatic invoice or a guaranteed amount you can recover.
What counts as scope creep in this estimate?
Count work that changes an approved deliverable, adds a new output, introduces another review path, moves the deadline, or consumes time beyond the written baseline without a corresponding fee or tradeoff. A small request can still have a large impact when it repeats.
Turn the estimate into a client decision
- Compare the request with the approved scope and revision limits.
- Estimate delivery, meeting, coordination, and rework time.
- Choose a fee, scope trade, later phase, or original-plan option.
- Ask for written approval before scheduling the extra work.
- Record the decision so the same pattern is visible next month.
Use the number as a planning signal
This calculator provides a simplified operational estimate. It does not know your contract, taxes, costs, margin target, availability, or client relationship. Review the result before using it in a proposal or client message.