Methods before conclusions.

Our tools are designed to make workplace trade-offs discussable. We publish the formula, assumptions, limitations, and worked examples so readers can challenge or adapt them.

What our calculators measure

Cost tools estimate direct participant time multiplied by an hourly planning rate. When the user chooses a recurring cadence, the tool projects that estimate over a month or year. The browser performs the calculation locally; the current version does not send calculator inputs to a server.

These estimates do not measure the value produced by a meeting. They also exclude preparation, follow-up, facilities, travel, software, context switching, and opportunity cost unless a tool explicitly says otherwise.

Why we use loaded hourly cost

Salary alone is not the full employer cost of a person's time. A loaded rate can include salary, employer payroll costs, and benefits. Because practices differ by organization and country, we do not supply a universal multiplier. We recommend using a finance-approved planning rate or testing a reasonable range.

How examples are created

Worked examples are illustrative scenarios created by our editorial team, not claims about a named company. We choose round inputs so the arithmetic can be checked by hand. Where an example draws on an outside case, it will be identified and linked.

How guidance is developed

We start with a specific workplace decision, review relevant primary or reputable sources, build a method that can be applied without proprietary software, and test it against more than one scenario. We distinguish sourced facts from our own recommendations and avoid presenting one workflow as universal.

Review and corrections

Each guide displays its publication and review dates. Material changes to a formula, conclusion, or cited source trigger a new review date. If you find an error or an assumption that is not clear, contact us with the page URL and the specific issue.