AI Estimate Calculator

Get realistic time and budget estimates for your software project in seconds.

Access: /tools/clients/estimate

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Overview

The AI Estimate Calculator analyzes your project description and provides comprehensive estimates including:

• Time breakdown (MVP vs Full version)
• Budget ranges in GBP (based on £60-120/hour rates)
• Feature complexity analysis
• Potential challenges and risks
• Strategic recommendations
• Clarifying questions

Powered by OpenAI GPT-4o-mini, it acts as a senior software developer with 15+ years of project estimation experience.

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How to Use

1. Describe your project (minimum 20 characters)

   • What problem are you solving?
   • Who are the users?
   • What are the main features?

2. Add optional context

   • Specific technologies
   • Integrations needed
   • Timeline constraints
   • Team size

3. Generate estimate - AI analyzes and returns results in ~10 seconds

4. Review & export - Download as PDF or print

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Output Sections

Project Summary

High-level overview with overall complexity rating:

• Low - Simple CRUD app, basic integrations
• Medium - Multiple user roles, third-party integrations
• High - Complex business logic, real-time features
• Very High - AI/ML, distributed systems, high scalability

Complexity Factors

List of technical factors affecting the estimate:

• Number of integrations
• Data complexity
• Security requirements
• Performance constraints
• User experience expectations

Time Estimates

Budget Estimates

Based on £60-120/hour blended rate:

Features Breakdown

Each identified feature includes:

• Name - Short descriptive title
• Description - What it does
• Complexity - Low / Medium / High

Challenges

Potential risks and issues:

• Technical challenges
• Integration complexity
• Data migration needs
• Security considerations
• Scalability concerns

Recommendations

Strategic advice:

• Technology suggestions
• Architecture recommendations
• MVP prioritization
• Risk mitigation strategies

Assumptions

What the AI assumed to create the estimate:

• Team composition
• Working hours
• Technology stack
• Infrastructure setup

Questions for Client

Clarifying questions that would refine the estimate:

• Feature prioritization
• Performance requirements
• Integration specifics
• Timeline constraints

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Example Input

Project Description:
I need a mobile app for a local gym that allows members to book classes,
track their workouts, and view their membership status. Trainers should
be able to manage their class schedules and see who's signed up.

Additional Context:
We have about 500 active members. Need to integrate with our existing
membership management system (MindBody). Would like push notifications
for class reminders. Budget is around £30-50k.

Example Output

Project Summary

A fitness class booking and workout tracking mobile application with dual interfaces for members and trainers, integrating with MindBody for membership data.

Technical Complexity: Medium

Complexity Factors:

• MindBody API integration (third-party dependency)
• Real-time availability updates for class booking
• Push notification infrastructure
• Dual user roles with different feature sets
• Workout tracking data persistence

Time Estimates

Budget Estimates

Features

Recommendations

1. Start with member-facing MVP - Booking and membership view first, add workout tracking in phase 2
2. Use React Native - Cross-platform development reduces time/cost by ~40%
3. Consider MindBody limitations - Their API has rate limits, plan for caching
4. Progressive web app backup - If app store approval delays, PWA can launch faster

Questions for Client

1. Do trainers need to communicate with members directly in-app?
2. Should workout tracking include exercise library or just custom entries?
3. Is offline access required for workout logging?
4. What's the acceptable latency for MindBody sync?

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Technical Details

AI Persona

The AI acts as a senior software developer and project estimator with 15+ years of experience:

• Realistic and honest assessments
• Identifies hidden complexity
• Suggests MVP scope optimization
• Asks clarifying questions for vague requirements

Rate Basis

All budget estimates use:

• £60-120/hour blended rate
• Mix of junior/senior developer time
• Includes project management overhead
• Does not include hosting/infrastructure costs

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PDF Export

Download a professional PDF including:

• Full project breakdown
• All estimates and features
• Color-coded complexity badges
• Challenges and recommendations
• Disclaimer about estimate nature

Filename: project-estimate-YYYY-MM-DD.pdf

Example PDF: Download sample Project Estimate - See a real estimate for a property management SaaS platform.

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Tips for Better Estimates

1. Be specific about users - "500 gym members" is better than "users"
2. Mention integrations - Third-party APIs significantly affect complexity
3. Include constraints - Budget, timeline, and team affect recommendations
4. Describe the problem - Why you need this, not just what you want
5. List must-have features - Helps AI prioritize MVP scope

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Disclaimer

Estimates are based on AI analysis of provided information. Actual time and costs may vary based on:

• Detailed requirements discovery
• Team composition and expertise
• Infrastructure complexity
• Changing requirements
• Third-party dependencies

For accurate quotes, book a consultation to discuss your specific needs.

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Use Cases

• Founders validating MVP budget before seeking funding
• Project managers creating initial project timelines
• CTOs comparing build vs buy decisions
• Agencies providing quick ballpark estimates to prospects
• Freelancers scoping potential projects

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Privacy & Security

• Project descriptions sent to OpenAI API for analysis
• No data stored on our servers
• PDF generated server-side and immediately delivered
• No project data retained after session
• GDPR compliant processing