Automation ROI Calculator

Before you build an automation, know the payoff. Adjust hours saved, your rate, setup costs, and maintenance. See break-even point and first-year ROI instantly.

Hours saved per week

hours

Your hourly rate

$/hr

Initial setup cost

Monthly maintenance

Monthly Time Saved

$500.00

Yearly Savings

$6,000.00

Break-Even Point

1.1 months

First Year ROI

880%

Year 1 Breakdown

Annual time savings

$500.00 × 12

$6,000.00

Setup cost

$500

$500.00

Maintenance (12 months)

$50 × 12

$600.00

Net Year 1 Benefit$4,900.00

Tips for accurate calculations

Use realistic time savings (don't overestimate)
Include your fully-loaded hourly rate (salary + benefits)
Factor in learning curve and onboarding time
Set break-even as your decision threshold
Revisit after 3 months to validate assumptions

How to Use This

1. Estimate time savings

How many hours per week would this automation save? Be conservative—most people overestimate.

2. Calculate your real hourly rate

Use your salary plus benefits divided by 2000 hours/year. For business owners, use billable rate or draw.

3. Factor in setup time

How much will you or a contractor spend building this? Include research, setup, and testing.

4. Check the break-even

If break-even is more than 3 months away, the ROI probably isn't worth the risk.