What is in the free landscaping estimate template
The Estimate sheet has one row per line item with quantity, unit, material and labor cost per unit, and formulas for material, labor and line totals. Below the lines it totals the job and adds overhead, profit and sales tax on materials from percentages you enter. No price or percentage is filled in for you.
The Quantities sheet turns area and depth into cubic yards for mulch, topsoil and base aggregate: cubic yards equal square feet times depth in inches, divided by 12, divided by 27.
Landscaping estimate template line items
| Line item | Unit |
|---|---|
| Site clearing and grading | SF |
| Topsoil, mulch and base aggregate | CY |
| Sod or seed | SF |
| Shrubs, trees, perennials | EA by size |
| Edging | LF |
| Pavers or hardscape | SF |
| Irrigation zones, heads and emitters | EA |
| Equipment, delivery and cleanup | LS |
Short on time? Send the plans and specs and we do this for you. Fixed quote within 2 business hours. Plan review is free, and you pay only after you accept.
Get a fixed quoteHow to use it
- Measure beds, lawn and hardscape areas from the landscape plan.
- Enter area and depth on the Quantities sheet for mulch, soil and base.
- Count plants by species and size from the plant schedule.
- Enter your material and labor cost per unit on the Estimate sheet.
- Enter overhead, profit and tax percentages and check the total.
Worked example
A 1,200 SF planting bed with 3 in of mulch: 1,200 x 3 / 12 = 300 CF, and 300 / 27 = 11.11 CY, so order about 11.1 CY plus the waste you enter.
From template to bid
Use the concrete calculator (for slabs and footings in the hardscape) for a quick check, the contractor markup calculator for overhead and profit, and how to bid a construction project for the whole method. For a measured takeoff from your plans, see landscaping estimating.
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate a landscaping job?
Measure areas and count plants from the plan, convert mulch, soil and base to cubic yards, then price materials and labor at your rates and add overhead and profit.
How do I calculate cubic yards of mulch?
Square feet times depth in inches, divided by 12, divided by 27. 1,200 SF at 3 in is 11.11 CY.
Is the template free?
Yes. Download it, change it and use it on your own bids. No sign-up.
Does it work in Google Sheets and Numbers?
Yes. It is a plain .xlsx file with ordinary formulas.
Link to this template
Teaching estimating, running a trade association or keeping a resources page for contractors? You are welcome to link to this free template. Copy the link below into your page’s HTML.