Automation ROI calculator
For one recurring task. Tell us how often it happens, how long it takes and what mistakes cost, and we'll show the annual value, the payback month and the three-year return.
- ~2 min
- Free · no sign-up
- Runs in your browser
How to use · 4 steps
- 01Describe one taskHow often it happens each week, how long it takes and how many people do it.
- 02Add what errors costIf mistakes cause rework or refunds, add the rate and cost. Leave at zero if unsure.
- 03Set the automationChoose the share you'd automate. Open “Build & running cost” to enter a quote if you have one.
- 04Read payback and ROIThe line crosses zero at your payback month. The bars show three years of value against cost.
The build pays for itself in month 4, then adds about $2,873 a month.
Starts below zero at the build cost. Where the line crosses zero is your payback month.
- Time recovered$99,840
- Fewer errors$8,986
- Build cost−$9,000
- Running cost−$5,400
No black box.Every step, in plain words.
Results are estimates for planning, based on the figures you enter. They aren't financial advice or a quote.
- 01
Hours per year = runs per week × 52 × minutes per run ÷ 60 × people involved.
- 02
Time value = hours per year × share automated × loaded hourly cost.
- 03
Error value = runs per year × error rate × cost per error × share automated.
- 04
Net value over time = cumulative monthly value − build cost − monthly running cost. Payback is the month the line crosses zero.
Good to know.
There's no universal number, but many teams treat anything under 12 months as a clear yes and anything over 24 months as worth a second look. What matters more is how confident you are in the inputs.
If you can estimate it, yes. Rework, refunds and missed follow-ups are often a bigger cost than the time itself. If you don't know, leave the error rate at zero and treat the result as conservative.
Payback is how long it takes to recover the build cost. ROI (return on investment) is the net gain as a percentage of what you spent — here measured over three years.
Keep going.
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Tell us the job thatkeeps coming back.
We'll tell you whether it's worth automating, and what it would take. A founder or senior engineer replies within one working day.