Meeting Drain

Why Track Meeting Costs?

We've all been there, stuck in a meeting that should have been an email, watching the clock tick by. But have you ever thought about what that time actually costs? When 8 people earning $75/hour spend an hour in a room, that is $600 gone. Weekly recurring meetings across a company? The numbers add up fast.

This calculator makes those hidden costs visible in real time. Sometimes that is all you need to start asking whether a meeting is actually necessary.

How It Works

Enter the number of attendees and pick an hourly rate or salary. Hit start and watch the cost tick up in real time. Use the cost reference table to see what 15, 30, or 60 minutes would run you.

Some Ways to Cut Back

• No agenda? Do not go. Seriously. If there is no clear purpose, there is no meeting.
• Shorter default times. Try 15 or 30 minutes instead of an hour. Things often take exactly as long as you schedule.
• Fewer people. Only invite people who actually need to be there. Everyone else can read the notes.
• Async works. A lot of meetings could be an email, an IM, a recorded video, or a Slack thread instead.
• Start on time, end on time. Waiting for latecomers punishes the people who showed up on time and reinforces bad habits.

About This Tool

Meeting Drain is a simple way to see what your time is really worth. No signup, no tracking. Just a calculator to help you think twice before booking that hour long sync.