Create an estimate in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac

Learn how to create an estimate in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

An estimate is used to create a bid, proposal, or quote for your customer. Then, you can turn the estimate into a sales order or an invoice. Here's how.

To create an estimate, you need to make sure the Estimates feature is turned on.

1. Go to QuickBooks, then select Settings.
2. Select Sales & Invoicing.
3. Select the Customer and/or job estimates are prepared checkbox.

If you turn off estimates, QuickBooks will save the estimates you've created, but you won't be able to convert them to invoices.

Create an estimate

1. Go to Customers, then select Create Estimates.
2. On the Customer: Job dropdown, select a customer or customer job. If the customer or job is not on the list, you can select Add New.
3. Enter the Date and Estimate number.
4. In the detail area, select the item(s) you propose to do or include as a sale.
   Note: When you select or add an item, the description and amount are automatically populated based on the description and cost entered when the item was set up. You can delete or modify this when creating estimates.
5. Select Save.

If your customer accepts your estimate you can change it to an invoice. You can also change your estimate to a purchase order (PO) to send to your vendor.

Edit an estimate

1. Go to Lists, then select Customer: Jobs.
2. From the list, select the customer or job you need to edit.

You can also customize your estimate template to make it in line with your brand.

Print an estimate

1. Go to Lists, then select Customer: Jobs.
2. From the list, select the customer or job.
3. Select Estimate from the Action pop-up.
4. Select the Print icon.