The math behind meeting cost
Every meeting has a price tag: attendees × average hourly rate × fully-loaded multiplier ÷ 3,600 gives you the cost per second. The multiplier accounts for the fact that an employee costs more than their salary. Benefits, payroll taxes, equipment, and office space typically add 25 to 40 percent on top of base pay, which is why 1.3x is the default here.
For a quick estimate, divide annual salary by 2,080 (the standard number of working hours per year) to get an hourly rate, then apply the multiplier. Six people averaging $75 an hour at a 1.3x multiplier burn $585 an hour, or $9.75 every minute. An hour-long status meeting that could have been a message costs more than most team lunches.
FAQ
How is meeting cost calculated?
Meeting cost equals attendees times average hourly rate times the fully-loaded multiplier, divided by 3,600 for the per-second rate. The live timer multiplies that rate by elapsed seconds.
What is a fully-loaded cost multiplier?
An employee costs more than their salary. Benefits, payroll taxes, office space, and equipment typically add 25 to 40 percent, so 1.3x is a common default. Adjust it up for expensive office markets or generous benefits.
What average hourly rate should I use?
Use the average hourly cost of the people in the room. Salary divided by 2,080 working hours per year is the standard conversion, applied before the multiplier. For mixed seniority, toggle individual salaries for a precise figure.
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. The timer uses wall-clock time rather than counting ticks, so the cost stays accurate even when the tab is in the background.
Is my salary data sent anywhere?
No. Every calculation happens locally in your browser. Nothing you enter leaves your device.