Contractor guides for
estimates & proposals.
Practical guides for contractors on estimates, proposals, invoices and keeping a job organized. Each one opens with the answer, then shows the steps and the numbers.
Estimating guides
Estimating · 7 min read
How to Write a Painting Estimate: Steps & Example
Measure the walls, work out paint and labor, add overhead and profit, and put it in writing. A step-by-step painting estimate guide with a worked example and a free template.
Updated Sep 30, 2026
Free tools and templates
Use them without an account. Each one links back to the guide that explains the numbers.
- CalculatorPainting estimate calculatorCalculate paint, labor and profit for interior rooms using your own rates. Free, with no sign-up.
- TemplatePainting estimate templateDownload Excel with formulas for totals and deposits, or a Word estimate you can edit.
- TemplatePainting invoice templateShow work and payments in Excel or Word. Excel calculates the remaining balance.