Parking Lot Striping Estimate Template + Example

Missing one line item on a striping bid can turn a profitable job into a loss. 

A parking lot striping estimate template fixes that by standardizing how you price labor, materials, equipment, and mobilization costs, every time.

You know the drill. Measuring parking spaces, calculating linear feet of lines, factoring in handicap symbols, then hoping you didn't forget setup costs or that extra gallon of paint. 

Instead of scrambling with spreadsheets (or worse, napkin math), a solid template lets you build professional estimates in minutes. This guide breaks down exactly what to include, shows you a real estimate example, and gives you a free template to start using today.

What Is a Parking Lot Striping Estimate Template?

A parking lot striping estimate template is a standardized form contractors use to calculate and present the cost of line striping jobs. It creates consistency, ensures nothing gets left out, and helps you win work with professional-looking bids. 

Contractors use templates to track labor, materials, and equipment in one place, so estimates stay accurate and profitable. A good template makes your operation look organized and keeps pricing errors from eating away at your margin.

Key elements of a striping estimate

Every striping estimate should break down major cost categories. These items cover the full scope of the job:

• Labor: Crew hours needed for layout and painting
  
• Materials: Striping paint, beads, stencils, and other supplies
  
• Equipment: Line stripers, compressors, trucks, or rental gear
  
• Mobilization: Fuel, transport, and setup costs
  
• Overhead: Insurance, admin, and indirect project costs
  
• Margin (not markup): Profit built into the bid without inflating line items

Note: For more details on supplies, see our parking lot striping supplies guide.

How to Create a Parking Lot Striping Estimate

Creating a striping estimate follows a simple process, and using a parking lot striping estimate template makes each step repeatable. So, crews won’t have to reinvent the wheel. The process usually takes 5 simple steps:

1. Measure the lot. Capture total square footage, parking spaces, and linear feet of lines.
   
2. Calculate linear feet or spaces. Break down lines, arrows, stencils, and curbs separately.
   
3. Assign rates. Apply labor and material rates per foot or per stall.
   
4. Build the template. Add each cost element into your structured form.
   
5. Send to the client. Present the professional estimate for review and approval.

Example with some mock numbers:

• 150 spaces at $12 per space = $1,800
  
• 3 handicap symbols at $50 each = $150
  
• Labor: 20 crew hours at $45/hour = $900
  
• Materials: 12 gallons of paint at $65 = $780
  
• Mobilization: $250
  
• Total: $3,880

Note: For pricing insights, check out our article on striping paint for parking lots.

Free Parking Lot Striping Estimate Template

Here’s a sample parking lot striping template you can adapt:

Note: See our guide on starting a parking lot striping business for more resources related to handling parking lot contracts.

Parking Lot Striping Estimate Example

Here’s what a filled-out parking lot striping estimate looks like:

Note: For layout standards, see our article on parking lot striping standards.

Parking Lot Striping Estimate Template vs. Cost Calculators

A parking lot striping estimate template gives you structure and consistency. In contrast, cost calculators provide fast ballpark pricing but often miss details.

Templates:

• Standardized across jobs
  
• Professional presentation for clients
  
• Easy to track scope and costs

Calculators:

• Faster initial quote
  
• Risk of skipping details
  
• Harder to customize per client
  

Common mistakes to avoid: Relying on calculators alone, forgetting mobilization costs, or failing to update rates regularly.

Note: If you’re pricing work with machines, check out our paving machinery guide.

Best Practices for Parking Lot Striping Estimates

To make your parking lot striping estimate template work in the real world, keep these practices in mind:

1. Always include a clear scope of work. Spell out stalls, curbs, symbols, and extras.
   
   
2. Use standardized line items. Make bids easy to compare and audit.
   
   
3. Double-check measurements. Small errors on linear footage multiply into big cost gaps.
   
   
4. Adjust for regional pricing. Labor and material costs vary by market.

Ready to Simplify Striping Estimates? Try OneCrew

A template gets you started, but managing jobs across estimating, crews, and invoicing requires more. That’s where OneCrew comes in.

OneCrew was built for project-based paving contractors, including asphalt and concrete. With OneCrew, you can:

• Estimate directly from PDFs or maps using labor, material, equipment, and sub-line items with built-in calculators.
  
  
• Assign crews and roles to job phases for accountability.
  
  
• Track project status across pre-construction, production, and billing.
  
  
• Share proposals, invoices, and documents with clients in one portal.
  
  
• Sync financials with QuickBooks Online to keep payments organized without double-entry.

You don’t need five different apps to run your striping jobs. You need one platform built for paving contractors. Book a free demo and see how OneCrew helps you move from takeoff to final invoice with less hassle.

FAQs

1. What should be included in a parking lot striping estimate?

A parking lot striping estimate should include labor, materials, equipment, mobilization, overhead, and margin. Listing these items keeps your pricing transparent and prevents surprises for the client. 

A parking lot striping estimate template ensures you don’t forget key components and helps you present a professional breakdown every time.

2. Can I use Excel or Google Sheets for striping estimates?

Yes, you can use Excel or Google Sheets to build a parking lot striping estimate template. Many contractors start this way because spreadsheets are flexible and free. The challenge is keeping formulas updated and ensuring every estimator uses the same version, which is why dedicated templates or platforms often work better.

3. What’s the difference between a striping estimate and an invoice?

The difference between a striping estimate and a parking lot striping invoice is purpose. An estimate is a cost projection given before work begins, whereas an invoice is a bill sent after the job is complete to finalize what the client pays.

4. Are digital estimate tools better than paper templates?

Yes, digital estimate tools are better than paper templates because they reduce errors and save time. Paper estimates often get lost or require manual re-entry. A parking lot striping estimate template in digital form makes edits simple, helps with record-keeping, and improves professionalism when presenting bids.

5. Can striping estimates include maintenance upsells?

Yes, striping estimates can include maintenance upsells like sealcoating, crack repair, or re-striping schedules. Adding these options to your parking lot striping estimate template gives clients a clear view of long-term costs and creates recurring revenue opportunities for your business.