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Fractional vs. Full-Time Calculator

The Real Cost Comparison Framework

Most cost comparisons between fractional and full-time only look at salary vs. retainer. This calculator includes the hidden costs: recruiting fees, ramp time, benefits, tooling, management overhead, and the opportunity cost of unfilled roles. Fill in your numbers and get an honest comparison.

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Run the numbers. See for yourself.

Input your actual costs and get an honest comparison between hiring full-time and using a fractional engineering team.

Full-Time Hire Costs

Direct compensation & benefits

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Want the full framework?

Download the complete calculator as PDF

Print it, share it with your team, and fill it in together. Includes the full cost model, break-even formula, and decision guide.

Total cost of ownership model for full-time engineering hires
Fractional team cost model including retainer, onboarding, and transition
Hidden cost factors most comparisons miss
Break-even analysis: when full-time becomes cheaper than fractional
Side-by-side comparison matrix with decision guide

Want the full picture?

This calculator is extracted from The Fractional Engineering Playbook.

8 chapters covering every aspect of scaling with fractional engineering teams. Decision frameworks, partner evaluation, and the complete embedding playbook.

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