> 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/estimating/areas-and-rates/adding-rates-to-an-estimate.md). # Adding Rates Add and edit production rates to estimate surfaces including custom rates, dimensions, products, and advanced pricing options. Production rates in PaintScout define how long specific surfaces take to paint and automatically calculate pricing based on dimensions. After adding an area, you apply rates to each surface within it. ## How do you add rates to an estimate? 1\. After setting up an area, pick a rate from the surface categories list. Select a category defined in your settings or create a custom rate.

Screenshot showing the surface categories list for selecting a rate

2\. Choose an individual surface/rate. Again you can choose from the pre-made rates from your settings, or create a custom rate.

Screenshot showing the individual surface and rate selection options

3\. Once you've made your surface selection, it gets added to the area. From there, you can either edit that surface or continue adding more.

Screenshot showing a surface added to the area with options to edit or add more

*** ## How to edit a surface 1\. Click directly on the surface or select the three dots to the right:

Screenshot showing the three dots menu on a surface for editing options

2\. Modify labels, edit rates, adjust dimensions, switch products, and access advanced options as needed. * You can also fine-tune prep hours, painting hours, coats, and pricing. {% hint style="warning" %} Editing a rate within an estimate only alters that particular rate and won't impact the preset rates stored in the Account Settings. For instance, if you modify the rate for baseboards from 25lnft/hr to 15lnft/hr while creating an estimate, this change will solely apply to that specific rate within that particular area. {% endhint %}

Animation showing surface editing options including labels, rates, dimensions, products, and hours

*** ## Creating Custom Rates 1\. When adding a surface to the area, select **+Custom Rate.**

Screenshot showing the Create Custom Rate option in the surface selection menu

2\. You will then be able to create a rate from scratch and customize it.

Screenshot showing the custom rate creation form with all customizable fields

*** ## Saving a custom rate to your settings When creating a custom rate, you can choose the option to save it to your settings. The rate then becomes available for future estimates. {% hint style="info" %} Saving a custom rate makes it reusable. Changes to the rate on the current estimate remain specific to that estimate. {% endhint %} 1. Click the three dots next to the rate. 2. Select **Save to settings**.

3. You will be prompted to select the **Rate Category** the rate will belong to. [Learn about Rate Categories.](/support/customization/pricing-and-rates/production-rates-section-overview.md)

4. This rate can be found in your **Account Settings > Production Rates > Rate Categories.** This rate can now be applied to future estimates.

## Related articles


Adding Areas	Add and customize areas (rooms or spaces) to estimates with dimensions, area types, surfaces, and automatic price calculations.	Adding Areas
Area Names	Create and organize reusable area labels like rooms and locations for faster estimate creation with drag-and-drop organization.	Area Names

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