Smartbook

Free CIDB tool

CIDB grade calculator

Estimate your contractor grade from completed contract value and available capital — then see the tender limit and what is holding you back.

Estimate your gradeSee how it works

What you get

  • Grades 1–9 and tender limits
  • Contract and capital factor grades
  • Optional turnover approximation
  • Potentially Emerging allowance

From

Free

Turnaround

Instant

For

South African construction contractors

Your contractor details

Estimate your CIDB grade

CIDB tender thresholds have changed over time. This tool uses the newer table in the supplied build specification; confirm the current limit with CIDB before bidding.

Threshold table reviewed 3 September 2026. Guide only, not an official CIDB grading decision.

Estimated contractor grading

Grade 3

Tender up to

R 3 000 000,00

Tender value is VAT inclusive. Bidding even R1 over the cap can disqualify the bid.

Factor grades

FactorValueGrade
Largest contractR 1 200 000,004
Available capitalR 300 000,003

To reach Grade 4

Current limiting factor: Available capital.

Available capital

+R 100 000,00

How grading works

Your weakest factor sets the ceiling.

Grade is per class of works

A contractor can hold different grades for different classes. Use contract history from the class you are assessing.

The lowest factor wins

The estimated grade is the lowest result across contract size, available capital and optional turnover.

PE can extend a bid

Potentially Emerging status may allow one grade higher on designated contracts, not on every tender.

Keep registration current

CIDB registration is valid for three years, with annual updates required during that period.

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