A clearer next step

Build vs. buy calculator

Compare your own estimates for two ways to meet the same need. See how setup, subscriptions, infrastructure and your time add up.

Start with your best estimates. Enter 0 when there is no cost. A blank is unknown, so we’ll wait until every field is filled before comparing. Use the same scope, usage, support and ownership for both options.

Shared assumptions

Currency code Three letters, such as USDValue of your time Currency per hour; enter 0 for cash onlyComparison period Whole months

The hourly value is your estimate of the opportunity cost of time. Avoid counting the same paid labor in both cash costs and hours.

BuildOne-time setup costs USD · Upfront payments, including development or purchase costs.Implementation time hours · Your or your team’s initial setup time.Software or subscriptions per month · Recurring licenses and subscriptions.Hosting and infrastructure per month · Cloud services and other infrastructure.Maintenance and support per month · Payments for ongoing maintenance and support.Maintenance time hours per month · Your or your team’s ongoing time.

BuyOne-time setup costs USD · Upfront payments, including development or purchase costs.Implementation time hours · Your or your team’s initial setup time.Software or subscriptions per month · Recurring licenses and subscriptions.Hosting and infrastructure per month · Cloud services and other infrastructure.Maintenance and support per month · Payments for ongoing maintenance and support.Maintenance time hours per month · Your or your team’s ongoing time.

Your comparison

Add a nonnegative finite number in every cost and time field, a three-letter currency, and a positive whole number of months to compare. Enter 0 for no cost.

Keep your comparison

Download a local file and reopen it on this device. Your entries are not sent to Small Launch or saved automatically.

Open comparison file

Estimates assume constant scope, usage and monthly costs. They exclude costs and risks you have not entered, price changes, inflation and qualitative differences. Include known migration or exit costs in your estimates. This is not a security review, AWS assessment or quote.