# cost up

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cost-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to calculate the total price of something, especially for a project or a job.

For teachers: to estimate or calculate the total cost of a specific task, project, or itemized list; often used in commercial or construction contexts.

## Examples

- The builder needs to cost up the materials for the new kitchen.
- Before we agree to the renovation, we need the architect to cost up the entire project.
- The procurement team spent three weeks costing up the various logistical options before presenting the final budget to the board of directors.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He costed up it." but "He costed it up." — when using a pronoun like 'it', the particle 'up' must follow the pronoun.

## Usage notes

- commonly used in British English and professional trades when discussing estimates.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'cost' (to have a price) and 'price up' (to find the retail price); 'cost up' implies a more detailed calculation of expenses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.