Auto Detailing Pricing Calculator
Price a full detail, interior detail or paint correction package from your time, products and overhead, plus the margin you want. The calculator shows the package price and what you really earn per hour of work.
| Labour cost | $88 |
| Overhead | $18 |
| Total job cost | $141 |
| Price to quote | $218 |
| Profit | $76 |
| Markup on cost | 53.8% |
| Price per vehicle | $217.62 |
| Revenue per labour hour | $54 |
Before sales tax, GST or HST. Works in any currency: the $ is just a label. Example numbers only: replace them with your own costs.
What to count in an auto detailing price
- Real hours per package, including setup, drying and cleanup
- Product cost per car: compounds, pads, chemicals and towels you wear out
- Travel time and fuel for mobile work
- Overhead such as insurance, booking software and marketing
- The margin that pays you back for the equipment you bought
Worked example
With one person for 4 hours at $22 an hour, $25 in products used, $10 in water, power and travel for mobile jobs, 15% overhead and a 35% margin, the job costs $141 and the price comes to $218. That is $217.62 per vehicle for one vehicle, $76 profit, and a 53.8% markup on cost.
Margin is not markup
Margin is profit as a share of the price; markup is profit as a share of your cost. A 30% margin needs a 42.9% markup, because the profit is measured against a smaller number. Mixing the two up can leave a busy season with less money than you planned. This calculator asks for the margin you want and shows the matching markup.
The Auto Detailing Pricing & Job Costing workbook (C$19.00, Excel, also opens in Google Sheets) keeps your rates in one price book, builds a printable client quote, and tracks what each job really cost and made, so your next price is based on your own numbers.
Questions
HOW DO I PRICE PACKAGES FOR BIGGER VEHICLES?
Run the calculator again with the extra hours and product for an SUV or truck. The difference is your size upcharge.
WHAT IS A GOOD PRICE PER HOUR?
The calculator shows the revenue per hour your price produces. Compare it with your target so you can spot packages that take too long for what they charge.
This calculator is a planning tool, not financial or tax advice. Check the results against your own records before you rely on them.