FREE TOOL · LOCAL CALCULATION

Calculate the cost of scope creep before doing free work

Measure unbilled hours, the drop in your effective rate, and annual exposure. Then generate a clear reply that requests approval before work begins.

Updated August 1, 2026

Project inputs

What changed?

ESTIMATED IMPACT

Likely out of scope
Cost of the added request$1,215.00
Effective rate after the change$46.15
Drop from the planned rate23.1%
Annual exposure if repeated$14,580.00

Suggested reply

Hi [name], this request adds approximately 9 hours and was not included in the agreed scope. I can add it as an estimated $1,215.00 change, subject to confirming dependencies and timing. Before I begin, would you prefer to approve this change or keep the current plan?

Amounts and hours are calculated on this device. They are not sent or stored.

01 · DECIDE ANTES DE HACER

Turn an uncomfortable request into a business decision

1. Compare

Review deliverables, revisions, and timing against the written agreement.

2. Quantify

Show hours, cost, and schedule impact using real information.

3. Offer

Present a paid addition and the option to keep the current plan.

4. Confirm

Do not begin extra work until you receive written approval.

VALIDATE PRO RELEASE 03

Vote for the complete client-boundaries guide

Save your vote and download ten messages for out-of-scope requests. No payment or subscription will start.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does the calculator decide what is out of scope?

No. It quantifies impact; the proposal, contract, and written agreements remain the reference.

Should I charge for every additional request?

That depends on the agreement and impact. Even a one-time exception should be identified in writing.

Does PDF Club save the amounts?

No. Calculations stay in the browser and the form sends only your email and vote.