Lawyer Fee Calculator — Compare Two Quotes
Compare a supplied hourly quote with a fixed-fee quote, including separate expense assumptions and a mathematical break-even time.
Compare two fee proposals for the same legal work: an hourly estimate and a fixed professional fee. Each proposal can have its own additional expense allowance. The calculator shows the modeled difference and the billable hours at which the two totals would be equal, when such a nonnegative threshold exists.
How to use this tool
- Enter the hourly rate and estimated billable hours from one proposal.
- Enter its additional expenses.
- Enter the fixed fee and additional expenses from the other proposal.
- Compare totals and inspect the break-even hours while checking that scope matches.
Formula
Hourly total = rate × hours + hourly expenses; fixed total = fixed fee + fixed expenses; break-even hours = (fixed total − hourly expenses) / rate
The break-even equation assumes a positive constant hourly rate and an unchanged fixed quote. Zero rates and a fixed total below the hourly expense baseline receive explanatory text. A negative fixed-minus-hourly difference means the fixed quote has the lower modeled total.
Example
At 300 per hour for 8 hours, professional time costs 2,400. With 200 in expenses the hourly total is 2,600. A 2,500 fixed fee plus 200 expenses totals 2,700. Break-even is 2,500/300 = 8.333333… billable hours.
Frequently asked questions
Does the lower result identify the best lawyer?
It compares price assumptions only. Experience, scope, service, uncertainty and other considerations are not measured. Neither quote is checked against a local fee rule or reasonableness standard.
Are elapsed hours automatically billable?
No. Enter billable hours as defined in the proposal. Use the hourly legal-cost tool when you need to apply an agreed increment to individual time entries.
What if a fixed fee excludes part of the work?
Align the scopes first or add a justified estimate to the relevant expense total. An apparently cheaper quote may cover different work, and this calculator cannot infer omitted services or later changes.
Sources
This tool gives an estimate for general information only. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice — check with a qualified professional before you rely on the result.
Last updated: 2026