> 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/prep-hours.md).

# Prep Hours

Prep hours in PaintScout must be added manually to each substrate. The system multiplies your prep hours by your internal hourly rate to calculate the prep cost, which is then added to the surface total alongside painting time and materials.

***

## How do you add prep hours to an estimate?

1. Select the substrate to which you want to assign prep hours.
2. Enter the number of prep hours in the designated box. Keep in mind that the hourly rate will be applied to determine the cost. For instance, if you allocate 2 hours of prep for a substrate, it will be **2 hrs x $65 hourly = $130.00** in total for prep.

   <figure><img src="/files/slsPx44JyxJzcNOvoGwf" alt="Screenshot showing the prep hours input field on a substrate with hourly rate calculation"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. Click **Confirm**, and you'll see the prep hours incorporated into your area.

<figure><img src="/files/1IIuLsU4n9QMOjEeoKPr" alt="Screenshot showing the prep hours incorporated into the area total on the estimate"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Related articles

* [Adjust Painting & Prep Hours](/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/how-to-adjust-painting-and-prep-hours.md) — Fine-tune calculated labor and prep hours on a surface.
* [Calculate Your Hourly Rate](/support/customization/pricing-and-rates/how-to-calculate-your-hourly-rate.md) — Build an hourly rate that covers wages, overhead, and profit.


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