Free AI Project Cost Estimator
Describe your project in one step and get an instant, AI-generated budget range — with a phase-by-phase cost breakdown, project risks, and a recommended tech stack. Free, no sign-up.
This free software development cost calculator is tuned for .NET, Blazor Server, ASP.NET Core, WPF, and modern web projects — including AI integrations. Estimates are based on real solo-contractor rates, so the numbers reflect what a project actually costs to build.
Describe your project once — the AI does the research, your estimate appears on screen and a PDF copy lands in your inbox
Tell me about your project
One form, everything in your own words — no technical jargon required
Features, goals, users, timeline, integrations — the more detail, the sharper the estimate.
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How the Cost Estimator Works
Describe your project
Write everything in one go — what you're building, key features, timeline, plus an optional tech stack and budget. Plain English is fine; the AI works out the rest.
AI builds your estimate
The estimate is generated against real contractor rate tiers and a six-phase delivery methodology, so every number is grounded — not guessed.
Get the full breakdown
See your cost range, phase-by-phase breakdown, risks, and recommended stack on screen — and receive the same estimate as a PDF by email.
How the Estimate Is Calculated
Unlike generic calculators that multiply a single hourly rate by a guess, every estimate here follows the same methodology I use to quote real client projects.
Real contractor rate tiers
- Standard — CRUD modules, forms, reports
- Complex — architecture work: multi-tenancy, real-time features
- Specialist — legal-tech integrations, AI features
Each phase is priced at the tier the work actually falls into, not a single blended rate. Your estimate shows the exact figures used.
Six delivery phases
Every project is split into Discovery & Planning, UI/UX Design, Core Development, Integrations & APIs, Testing & QA, and Deployment & Handover. Each phase gets its own hours and rate, and the phase cost is exactly hours × rate — so you can see where the money goes.
A range, not a fantasy number
The low end of your estimate is the exact sum of all phase costs. The high end adds a 20% contingency for scope creep and revisions — the most common reason software projects run over budget. If a phase doesn't apply to your project, it's zeroed out rather than padded.
Sample Estimate: Blazor Booking Web App
A typical output for a Blazor Server appointment-booking app with authentication, Stripe payments, and automated email reminders.
| Phase | Hours | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery & Planning | 12 | $45/hr | $540 |
| UI/UX Design | 24 | $45/hr | $1,080 |
| Core Development | 90 | $55/hr | $4,950 |
| Integrations & APIs | 30 | $65/hr | $1,950 |
| Testing & QA | 24 | $45/hr | $1,080 |
| Deployment & Handover | 10 | $45/hr | $450 |
| Estimated range (incl. 20% contingency) | $10,050 – $12,060 | ||
Software Project Cost FAQ
How much does custom software development cost?
It depends on scope and complexity. As a rough guide with a solo senior contractor: small internal tools run $3,000–$10,000, mid-size web applications $10,000–$40,000, and multi-module enterprise systems $50,000 and up. This estimator gives you a range tailored to your specific project instead of a generic bracket.
How accurate is an AI-generated cost estimate?
It is a planning-stage ballpark, not a binding quote. The estimate is grounded in real contractor rate tiers and a six-phase delivery methodology, so the range is realistic for scoping and budgeting. Your estimate shows the hours and rate used for each phase. A precise quote always follows a scope conversation.
Is this project cost estimator really free?
Yes — completely free, no sign-up and no credit card. You describe your project in a single step, see the full breakdown on screen, and receive the same estimate as a PDF in your inbox.
How much does .NET or Blazor development cost?
It varies with modules, integrations, and timeline more than with the framework itself — a single-purpose internal tool and a multi-tenant Blazor platform are not comparable numbers. Describe your project above and the estimator returns a range specific to it, broken down by delivery phase, in about a minute.
What information do I need to provide?
Just one description in your own words — what you want built, the features or problem to solve, and anything you already know about timeline or team. Optionally add your preferred tech stack and any budget you have in mind. One step, about a minute — no technical knowledge required.
Does the estimate include design, testing, and deployment?
Yes. Every estimate is broken into six phases: Discovery & Planning, UI/UX Design, Core Development, Integrations & APIs, Testing & QA, and Deployment & Handover — each with its own hours, rate, and cost.
Why do I get a cost range instead of a single price?
The low end is the exact sum of all phase costs. The high end adds a 20% contingency for scope creep and revisions — the most common reason real projects exceed their initial budget.
Can I hire you to build the project after estimating?
Yes. I am a freelance .NET Technical Lead with 8+ years of experience in Blazor, ASP.NET Core, and WPF, available for remote contract work with clients in the US, UK, UAE, Australia, and worldwide. Use the estimate as a starting point and book a call from the results screen.
Ready for a precise quote instead of an estimate? See how to hire me or book a call.