Electrical Estimating Calculator
Estimate job costs with regional rates, materials markup, and profit margin
Reference Info & Formulas
These are guide estimates only based on UK median rates and typical job benchmarks.
Always price based on your own site survey, overheads, and margin requirements.
Job Price
Price = (Labour + Materials) + Overheads + Profit + VAT
Markup vs Margin
Markup = % added to cost
Margin = % of selling price
Data: UK Electrician Business Pricing Guide
For guidance only. The responsibility for any electrical installation lies with the qualified person carrying out the work. Always verify calculations independently and apply professional judgement.
Regional Labour Rates
Median self-employed electrician rates across UK regions, based on industry surveys of 100+ locations.
UK regional electrician rates (2024-2025)
UK Electrician Business Pricing Guide| Region | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| London | £47/hr | £274/day |
| South East | £43/hr | £265/day |
| East Anglia | £37/hr | £248/day |
| South West | £35/hr | £245/day |
| Scotland | £35/hr | £262/day |
| Midlands | £34/hr | £229/day |
| North West | £33/hr | £228/day |
| North East | £33/hr | £235/day |
| Wales | £32/hr | £222/day |
| Northern Ireland | £24/hr | £187/day |
Median rates for self-employed electricians. Employed rates through agencies are typically 20-30% lower.
Markup vs Margin
Understanding the difference between markup and margin is essential for profitable pricing.
Many electricians confuse markup and margin, which can lead to underpricing. Markup is a percentage added on top of your cost, while margin is the percentage of the final selling price that represents profit.
Margin% = Markup% / (1 + Markup%/100)- Markup%
- = Percentage added to cost price
- Margin%
- = Percentage of selling price that is profit
Example: 25% markup = 20% margin, 50% markup = 33% margin
For example, if you buy materials for 100 pounds and apply a 25% markup, you charge 125 pounds. Your margin on that sale is 25 divided by 125, which is 20% — not 25%. Always be clear which method you are using when setting prices.
Calculating Your Day Rate
Your day rate must cover personal income, overheads, holidays, and profit.
To calculate a sustainable day rate, work backwards from your required annual income and add all business costs, then divide by billable days.
Day Rate = (Target Income + Annual Overheads) / Billable Days- Target Income
- = Your desired annual take-home pay
- Annual Overheads
- = Van, fuel, insurance, tools, training, accountancy, etc.
- Billable Days
- = Typically 220 days (260 working days minus 25 holiday, 8 bank holidays, 7 sick/admin)
This gives your break-even rate — add profit margin on top
Do Not Forget Non-Billable Time
Common Job Benchmarks
Typical hours and materials for common domestic jobs
Industry benchmarks — adjust for property age, access, and complexity| Job Type | Hours (Range) | Materials (Range) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Unit Upgrade | 4-6 hrs | £180-£350 | 10-way RCBO board, tails, earthing |
| Full Rewire (3-bed) | 40-56 hrs | £1,200-£2,000 | Complete strip and rewire inc. CU |
| Full Rewire (4-bed) | 56-72 hrs | £1,600-£2,800 | Complete strip and rewire inc. CU |
| Partial Rewire | 16-32 hrs | £400-£1,000 | Specific circuits or areas |
| Socket Addition | 2-4 hrs | £30-£80 | New socket from spur or ring |
| Lighting Point | 2-4 hrs | £30-£100 | New ceiling rose or downlight |
| Electric Shower Install | 4-6 hrs | £60-£150 | New circuit, pull cord, cable |
| Cooker Circuit | 3-5 hrs | £50-£120 | New circuit, CCU, cable run |
| EV Charger Install | 4-8 hrs | £80-£200 | 7kW circuit (unit separate) |
| EICR (Domestic) | 2-4 hrs | £0-£20 | Condition report, 3-bed house |
| Fault Finding | 1-4 hrs | £0-£50 | Diagnosis and repair per visit |
| Garden Office Supply | 8-16 hrs | £300-£800 | SWA submain, mini CU, circuits |
| Smoke Alarm Upgrade | 2-4 hrs | £60-£150 | Interlinked detectors |
Materials ranges exclude the main appliance (shower unit, cooker, EV charger) where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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