.png)
Penetration testing cost calculator: what should your test cost?
Quotes for the same test can differ by five times. Pick what is in scope and see an estimated range, the tester-days behind it and what pushes the price up. Then send every vendor the same scoping sheet.
What drives the cost of a penetration test
A pen test is priced in tester-days. The calculator estimates the days each part of your scope usually takes, adds reporting, review and an optional retest, and multiplies by a day-rate band of $750 to $1,250. The low end pairs fewer days with a lower rate, the high end the opposite. Typical is the middle of both.
Scope is what moves the number: how many internet-facing systems you have, how many people and locations sit on the internal network, how many applications and user roles there are, and whether you need proof the fixes worked. A test bought for PCI DSS also needs segmentation testing.
The tester-day estimates and the day-rate band are Cloudskope planning assumptions. The guides listed below explain how pen tests are priced. Your answers stay in your browser unless you ask for the scoping sheet.
Penetration testing cost questions, answered
How much does a penetration test cost in 2026?
By our planning estimates, a focused test for a small or mid-sized company often lands between $3,000 and $15,000. A small external network test can start around $2,000 to $2,500, while complex application, internal and red team work costs more. Your scope sets the price, so use the calculator for your own estimate.
Why do pen test quotes vary so much?
Scope, depth and who does the work. A low quote often means mostly automated scanning, junior testers or no retest. Compare quotes on the same scope and ask each vendor how many tester-days it includes.
How often should we run a penetration test?
At least once a year and after major changes, such as a new application, an acquisition or a move to the cloud. PCI DSS, many cyber insurers and most customer security questionnaires expect a test every year.
What is the difference between a vulnerability scan and a penetration test?
A scan is automated and lists possible weaknesses. In a penetration test a person tries to exploit them, chains them together and shows what an attacker could actually reach. Scans are worth running monthly. They do not replace a test.
Do you see my answers?
No, unless you ask for the scoping sheet. Your answers stay in your browser. If you request the sheet, we receive your contact details and the scope you chose so we can send it.
Is this a quote from Cloudskope?
No. It is a planning estimate. For a fixed price on your scope, talk to an advisor.
Cloudskope is a security-only advisory firm based in Dallas, Texas. We run forensic audits of Microsoft 365 and Azure, cyber due diligence for deals, and a fixed-fee six-day assessment and remediation program for firms and their portfolio companies. We are independent of your IT provider and compliance consultant, and we work alongside both.
Since May 1, 2026, our forensic audits have prevented $2.2M in wire fraud, none of it flagged first by the client's IT team, managed service provider, bank or security tools.
Sources
Opened and checked on October 1, 2026. Further reading on how pen tests are priced. The figures on this page are Cloudskope planning estimates, not a quote.