--- title: Working With Markups description: Learn how to work with markups and customize them to meet the needs of your project --- [Skip to content](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/working-with-markups#main-content) [Contact Join Support](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![Join Help Center](https://success.join.build/hubfs/Join%20Help%20Center.svg)](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Contact Join Support](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Login](https://app.join.build/) [Login](https://app.join.build/) Hi! 👋 How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Join - Help Center](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Markups](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups?hsLang=en) 3. [Markups](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups?hsLang=en#markups) # Working With Markups ## Learn how to work with markups and customize them to meet the needs of your project ### Value Types ![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jun-24-2024-04-48-07-3080-PM.png?width=670&height=231&name=image-png-Jun-24-2024-04-48-07-3080-PM.png) #### Lump Sum Markups A lump sum markup is a fixed dollar amount. It doesn't change based on the estimate subtotal. If you enter a lump sum markup in your Milestone Estimate, it will not be inherited by Items in the [Milestone Markups section](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups-in-item-estimates?hsLang=en#milestone_markups) of the Item estimate. #### Percent Markups A percent markup is a variable amount based on costs in the estimate (or budget). Item estimates will inherit percent markups from the Milestone Estimate of the Milestone it is currently assigned to. **Note:** To control how **Milestone Markups** are inherited on **Items**, refer [Inherited Item Settings.](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/milestone-markups-inherited-item-settings?hsLang=en) ### Markup Type Markups can be assigned a type, including Markup, Contingency, or Allowance, to separate and track different types of indirect costs. [**Contingencies** **and**](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/tracking-contingencies-and-allowances?hsLang=en)**[Allowances](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/tracking-contingencies-and-allowances?hsLang=en)** can be drawn from or added to using Items with the values being reported as adjustments on the **[Contingency and Allowance Report](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/contingency-and-allowance-draw-report?hsLang=en).** ![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jun-24-2024-04-49-29-1560-PM.png?width=457&height=344&name=image-png-Jun-24-2024-04-49-29-1560-PM.png) ### Adding Markups To add a new markup to an estimate, click the **+Add a Row** button in the bottom bar of the markups table. After the row is added, enter the detailed information in each column. ![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jun-24-2024-04-51-10-8902-PM.png?width=670&height=208&name=image-png-Jun-24-2024-04-51-10-8902-PM.png) ### Deleting Markups To delete an existing markup from an estimate, select the checkbox in the far left column and then click the **Delete Selected Rows** button in the bottom bar of the markups table. ![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jun-24-2024-04-52-46-2888-PM.png?width=670&height=209&name=image-png-Jun-24-2024-04-52-46-2888-PM.png) ### Reordering Markups After markups are imported or added to an estimate, you can reorder them by hovering over the markup number and then clicking and dragging it to the preferred location in the list. Changing the order of a markup does not affect the calculation. ![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/2024-06-24_09-55-22-gif.gif?width=670&height=210&name=2024-06-24_09-55-22-gif.gif) ### Applying Markups #### Applying Markups to Subtotals and Other Markups Markups need a subtotal(s) to reference before they can be applied. Markups can apply to the subtotal of direct costs (S1 in the estimate table), other markups, or the project total. When multiple values are selected to reference, your markup applies to the sum of the values chosen. To apply a markup to a subtotal, click the drop-down arrow in the **Applies to...** column, click on **Subtotals and markups**, and check the boxes for the applicable subtotals.![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/2024-06-24_15-43-55-PNG-1.png?width=576&height=625&name=2024-06-24_15-43-55-PNG-1.png) ***Note:** By default, all lump sum markups are applied to the subtotal of direct costs (S1 in the estimate table), but percent markups must be applied manually every time.* #### Applying Markups to Selected Cost Types Item Markups and Milestone Markups can calculate on cost type (Labor, Equipment, Materials, etc.) if the estimate section is broken out by cost type. To pivot an estimate's cost type breakdown, use the ![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-4.png?width=20&height=20&name=undefined-4.png) button in the header of the **Total** column in the estimate table and select the **Breakdown by cost type** (for imported estimates, this can also be selected during the [final step of the import process](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/importing-an-estimate-file?hsLang=en#import)).In the **Applies to…** column, you can select the applicable cost types for each markup to calculate on. For example, you may need to apply a Sales Tax markup only on Material costs.![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jun-24-2024-10-46-56-0900-PM.png?width=577&height=503&name=image-png-Jun-24-2024-10-46-56-0900-PM.png) ***Tip****: You can set the breakdown type for Items with the* [*Default Item Template*](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/setting-up-the-default-item-template?hsLang=en) *on the Settings page.* #### Applying Markups to Selected Categories Item Markups and Milestone Markups can calculate on and allocate to specific categories. In the **Applies to…** column, you can select the applicable categories for each markup to calculate on and allocate to by clicking the drop-down list, clicking on **Categories**, and selecting the applicable categories. Once a markup is applied to a category, a filled-in funnel will be displayed. For example, if you want to carry a contingency on structural steel, you can select MasterFormat 050000 -  Metals from the drop-down list.![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jun-24-2024-10-51-10-7950-PM.png?width=573&height=558&name=image-png-Jun-24-2024-10-51-10-7950-PM.png) #### Filter Markups by Category After [applying a markup to a category](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/working-with-markups#markups_categories), you can select whether or not you want to calculate on the full subtotal or filtered subtotal of other markups when they've been selected.  **Filter markups by category enabled:**  Uses categories to filter the cost of selected percent markups when calculating. *(Join default)* **Filter markups by category disabled:** Uses the total cost of selected percent markups when calculating. *(Most estimating platforms calculate this way)* ![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jun-24-2024-10-57-36-2272-PM.png?width=576&height=625&name=image-png-Jun-24-2024-10-57-36-2272-PM.png)  Allocating Markups Individual markups can be selected to be allocated (distributed through other estimate costs) by checking the checkbox in the **Allocate** column of an estimate table and setting the [markups display mode](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/overview-how-join-calculates-project-costs?hsLang=en) in the navigation panel to **Show markups allocated**. Where the costs of the selected markups will be allocated/distributed to will be based on the selection made in the **Applies to...** column.![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jun-24-2024-10-53-33-5137-PM.png?width=670&height=211&name=image-png-Jun-24-2024-10-53-33-5137-PM.png) ![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-15-2025-11-37-10-8502-PM.png?width=251&height=390&name=image-png-Feb-15-2025-11-37-10-8502-PM.png) - [Getting Started with Join](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Join Overview](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#join-overview) - [I'm a new Join user](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#im-a-new-join-user) - [My company is new to Join](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#my-company-is-new-to-join) - [I want to use Join on my project](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#i-want-to-use-join-on-my-project) - [Workflow Best Practices](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#workflow-best-practices) - [Getting Started for Project Admins](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#getting-started-for-project-admins) - [Getting Started for General Contractors](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#getting-started-for-general-contractors) - [Getting Started for Design Team Members](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#getting-started-for-design-team-members) - [Getting Started for Owners](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/getting-started-with-join?hsLang=en#getting-started-for-owners) - [Product Updates](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/product-updates?hsLang=en#main-content) - [What's New](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/product-updates?hsLang=en#whats-new) - [Early Access](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/product-updates?hsLang=en#early-access) - [Join for Pursuit](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/join-for-pursuit?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Pursuit Resources](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/join-for-pursuit?hsLang=en#pursuit-resources) - [Dashboard](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/dashboard?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Dashboard](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/dashboard?hsLang=en#dashboard) - [Charts](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/dashboard?hsLang=en#charts) - [Milestones](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/milestones?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Milestones](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/milestones?hsLang=en#milestones) - [Estimates and Budgets](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/milestones?hsLang=en#estimates-and-budgets) - [Importing](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/milestones?hsLang=en#importing) - [Items](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Items](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items?hsLang=en#items) - [Options](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items?hsLang=en#options) - [Status](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items?hsLang=en#status) - [Scenarios](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items?hsLang=en#scenarios) - [Item Library](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items?hsLang=en#item-library) - [Schedule Impact](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items?hsLang=en#schedule-impact) - [Ideas](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items?hsLang=en#ideas) - [Markups](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Markups](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups?hsLang=en#markups) - [Milestone Markups](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups?hsLang=en#milestone-markups) - [Item Markups](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups?hsLang=en#item-markups) - [Contingencies and Allowances](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups?hsLang=en#contingencies-and-allowances) - [Cost Display Settings](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/markups?hsLang=en#cost-display-settings) - [Risk Register](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/risk-register?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Risk Register](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/risk-register?hsLang=en#risk-register) - [Timeline](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/timeline?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Timeline](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/timeline?hsLang=en#timeline) - [Reports](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/reports?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Reporting](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/reports?hsLang=en#reporting) - [Customizable Reports](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/reports?hsLang=en#customizable-reports) - [Team](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/team?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Team](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/team?hsLang=en#team) - [Roles and Permissions](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/team?hsLang=en#roles-and-permissions) - [Project Settings](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Project Settings](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#project-settings) - [Categorizations](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#categorizations) - [Units of Measure](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#units-of-measure) - [Item Schedule Impact and Display](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#item-schedule-impact-and-display) - [Default Item Template](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#default-item-template) - [Notifications](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#notifications) - [Print Header](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#print-header) - [Customize Display](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/project-settings?hsLang=en#customize-display) - [Projects and Programs](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/projects-and-programs?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Projects and Programs](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/projects-and-programs?hsLang=en#projects-and-programs) - [Projects](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/projects-and-programs?hsLang=en#projects) - [Programs](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/projects-and-programs?hsLang=en#programs) - [Company Settings](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/company-settings?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Company Settings](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/company-settings?hsLang=en#company-settings) - [Company Standards](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/company-settings?hsLang=en#company-standards) - [Join Benchmarking](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/join-benchmarking?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Project Comparisons Report](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/join-benchmarking?hsLang=en#project-comparisons-report) - [Join Insights](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/join-insights?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Join Insights](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/join-insights?hsLang=en#join-insights) - [Integrations](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/integrations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Integrations](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/integrations?hsLang=en#integrations) - [Security](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/security?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/security?hsLang=en#frequently-asked-questions) - [Single Sign-on](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/security?hsLang=en#single-sign-on) - [AI](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/ai?hsLang=en) [![Artboard 3@4x-8](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/Artboard%203@4x-8.png?width=100&height=69&name=Artboard%203@4x-8.png "Artboard 3@4x-8")](https://join.build) © 2026 - Join | All rights reserved.