> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paintscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paintscout.com/support/customization/templates-and-presets/what-are-estimate-types.md).

# Estimate Types

Estimate types in PaintScout are categories that represent the different kinds of projects you offer, such as Interior, Exterior, or Cabinets. Each type can have its own rates, terms, presentations, and templates.

## What Is an Estimate Type?

An estimate type is a project category you assign to estimates. Examples include **Interior, Exterior, Cabinets**, and more. Each type links to specific production rates, contract terms, and presentations.

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## Why Use Different Estimate Types?

Different estimate types help organize your account. When you select an estimate type, PaintScout only shows the rates, line items, and templates assigned to that type. This streamlines estimate creation, improves reporting, and lets you track close rates by project type.

➡️ **Skip to the 3:25 timestamp in the video below.**

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc-iM49Nu4Y>" %}

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## How Do I Create an Estimate Type?

1\. Go to your **Account Settings** > **Estimates** > **Estimate Types** section and click the **+Add New Estimate Type** button.

<figure><img src="/files/9s570PAr28aoI56EPtax" alt="Screenshot showing the Estimate Types section in Account Settings with the Add New Estimate Type button"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. A window will appear where you can add various information regarding your new Estimate Type:

* **Label:** add the name of your estimate type.
* **Hourly Rate:** set a distinct hourly rate for each estimate type. It will take precedence over your general hourly rate mentioned in the Company section. If you prefer to use your general hourly rate, simply leave this field empty.
* **Area Type:** set your default area type to Room or Surface.
* **Default Presentation:** select which presentation will default to this estimate type
* **Default Terms:** select which terms will be associated with this estimate type

<figure><img src="/files/ybbKTOKLWoQHCod3ose5" alt="Screenshot showing the new Estimate Type dialog with fields for Label, Hourly Rate, Area Type, Default Presentation, and Default Terms"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## Related articles

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Setting a Default Presentation</strong></td><td>Set a default presentation (proposal template) for each estimate type so the correct layout is automatically applied to every new estimate.</td><td><a href="/pages/czmJxn5fbpScOJmDUqhQ">/pages/czmJxn5fbpScOJmDUqhQ</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Setting Default Terms</strong></td><td>Set default contract terms for each estimate type so the correct terms are automatically applied every time you create a new estimate.</td><td><a href="/pages/7xcx6pMkbODZeYMNHfoc">/pages/7xcx6pMkbODZeYMNHfoc</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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