Workflow ROI Calculator

Estimate ROI and payback for marketing ops automations.

Inputs: time saved, hourly cost, setup and software costs, optional revenue/error reductions.

Hours saved per week

Hourly cost ($/hr)

One-time setup cost ($)

Monthly software cost ($)

Amortization months (for setup)

Error reduction savings ($/month) (optional)

Additional revenue ($/month) (optional)

Weeks per month factor

Net monthly benefit

—

12-month ROI

—

12-month net benefit

—

Payback (months)

—

Benefit / Cost

—

How it works

This calculator estimates the financial impact of automating a workflow. Enter the hours saved, labor rates, one‑time setup cost, and ongoing software cost. Optionally add monthly error‑reduction savings or extra revenue.

Labor savings: Hours saved × hourly cost × weeks/month
Monthly benefit: Labor savings + error savings + additional revenue
Monthly cost: Software cost + (setup cost ÷ amortization months)
Net monthly benefit: Benefit − cost
12‑month ROI: (12×benefit − (setup + 12×software)) ÷ (setup + 12×software)
Payback (months): setup ÷ max(benefit − software, 0)

Use this to prioritize automations with fast payback and strong ROI. Adjust the amortization window to match your planning horizon.

FAQs

Why use 4.33 weeks per month?

It approximates the average weeks in a month (52 ÷ 12). You can change it if you plan by 4-week periods.

What amortization period should I choose?

12 months is common for small automations. For short experiments, use 6; for durable systems, use 18–24.

Payback shows “—”. What does that mean?

It means the monthly benefit minus software cost is ≤ 0, so the setup cost won’t be recovered under current assumptions.