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Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Plan your kitchen renovation budget: pick the size, finish level and what you're replacing to get a low, typical and high estimate with an itemized breakdown of materials and labor. All prices are editable planning assumptions, so adjust the labor index for your area.
Last updated:
sq ft
Floor area. 10 × 15 ft = 150 sq ft.
lin ft
Length of base cabinets along the walls. Blank = estimated from size.
Finish level
Scope of work
Labor & cushion
%
100% = US average. Rural areas ~80–90%, big metros 120–150%.
%
Cushion for surprises; 10–20% is common.
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
- Enter the kitchen size in square feet, and the cabinet run if you know it.
- Choose a finish level: budget, mid-range or high-end.
- Tick the scope you're planning: cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring and so on.
- Set labor: keep contractors on, set your local labor index, or untick for DIY.
- Press Estimate cost to see the range, cost per square foot and itemized breakdown, then download the CSV for quotes.
How the kitchen remodel estimate is calculated
The calculator builds the budget item by item, the way a contractor's bid does:
- Quantities from the size. If you leave the cabinet run blank it is estimated as about 0.16 linear feet of base cabinets per square foot of kitchen (10–60 ft). Countertop area = cabinet run × 2.125 sq ft (25.5" deep counters), plus 24 sq ft for an island. Backsplash = cabinet run × 1.5 sq ft (18" tall).
- Materials = quantity × the price for your finish level.
- Labor = quantity × labor rate × your local labor index (0 if you do it yourself).
- Soft costs: design and permits as 2%, 5% or 10% of the subtotal by finish level, then your contingency percentage on top.
- Range: low = 80% and high = 130% of the typical figure, because remodels more often run over than under.
Planning prices used (US, 2025–2026)
These are planning assumptions, not quotes. Materials + labor per unit; labor is multiplied by your local index.
| Item | Unit | Budget | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (base + wall) | lin ft | $110 + $60 | $300 + $85 | $700 + $125 |
| Countertops | sq ft | $25 + $10 (laminate) | $60 + $20 (quartz/granite) | $120 + $30 (premium stone) |
| Backsplash tile | sq ft | $5 + $10 | $15 + $15 | $35 + $22 |
| Appliance package | set | $3,000 + $300 | $7,500 + $600 | $20,000 + $1,200 |
| Flooring | sq ft | $3 + $2.50 | $6 + $4 | $12 + $7 |
| Sink & faucet | set | $300 + $250 | $800 + $400 | $2,000 + $600 |
| Lighting & electrical | per 150 sq ft | $800 + $1,000 | $2,000 + $2,000 | $5,000 + $3,500 |
| Layout change | job | $1,500 + $3,500 | $3,000 + $7,000 | $6,000 + $14,000 |
Ways to keep a kitchen remodel on budget
- Keep the footprint. Leaving the sink, range and refrigerator where they are avoids new plumbing, gas and electrical runs.
- Reface or paint cabinets if the boxes are solid; it typically costs a fraction of new cabinets.
- Spend on what you touch daily, such as counters, the faucet and drawer hardware, and save on low-impact items.
- Order long-lead items early. Cabinets and stone counters can take weeks; delays add rental or eating-out costs.
- Get three itemized bids and compare them line by line with the table above.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
It depends mostly on size, finish level and scope. With this calculator's planning prices, a 150 sq ft mid-range remodel that replaces cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring and lighting comes to roughly $35,000–$40,000, a budget refresh can be under $15,000, and large high-end projects run $80,000 or more. Always confirm with local contractor quotes.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are usually the largest single item, often around a quarter to a third of the budget, followed by appliances and countertops. Moving walls, plumbing or gas lines adds a big jump because it brings in more trades and permits.
How much do kitchen cabinets cost per linear foot?
As rough installed planning figures: stock cabinets about $150–$250 per linear foot, semi-custom about $300–$500, and custom $700–$1,000 or more, counting the base and wall cabinets along that run.
How can I lower my kitchen remodel cost?
Keep the existing layout so plumbing and electrical stay put, refinish or reface cabinets instead of replacing them, choose laminate or prefabricated quartz, and do demolition and painting yourself. Untick labor for DIY items to see the difference.
How much contingency should I add?
Most remodelers advise 10–20%. Older homes can hide water damage, outdated wiring or uneven floors that only appear after demolition, so use the higher end for homes over 30–40 years old.
Are these prices exact for my area?
No. They are national-average style planning assumptions for 2025–2026 and real prices vary widely by region, home and product choices. Use the labor index for your area and treat the result as a budget range before getting at least three quotes.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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