Startup user research budget calculator
Estimate what it actually costs to run a lean user research sprint at your stage. No email required.
About your startup
Recommended plan
Participants
10
Time needed
40h
Estimated DIY budget
$900
Incentives (10 × $75) + tooling
Guided sprint range
$2,250
Done-with-you research, synthesis, and an action report
A guided sprint is probably worth it
You need signal fast and your team is small. A focused, done-with-you sprint can save you weeks of figuring it out yourself and give you an investor-ready report.
Tool stack
- →User Interviews or Respondent
- →Notion / Airtable
- →Otter.ai
- →Calendly
- →Miro / FigJam
How this works
- 1.Participants: 5–12 is usually enough for directional signal at this stage. More participants help for usability; fewer work for exploratory messaging interviews.
- 2.Incentives: B2B participants typically need $50–$100 or a gift card; B2C participants often accept $25–$50.
- 3.Time: Recruiting takes the longest. A focused sprint can run in 1–2 weeks if you move fast on screeners and scheduling.
- 4.Guided sprint: This assumes a partner helps with recruiting, moderation, synthesis, and a short report. It is not a retainer.