Home › Legal › How Much Does Nda Cost?

How Much Does Nda Cost? (2026 Guide)

Template: $50–$200. Custom: $500–$1K.

Updated Mar 2026Legal$200–$1K
NDA Cost Calculator
Estimate by NDA type and how you create it
to
Estimated range based on your inputs
⚠️ Based on national averages. Get 3+ local quotes for accurate pricing.

NDA Costs by Type and Method

NDA TypeFree TemplateOnline ServiceAttorney Draft
Unilateral (one-way)$0$30–$150$300–$750
Mutual (both parties)$0$30–$150$300–$750
Multilateral (3+ parties)Not recommended$100–$300$500–$1,500
Employee NDA + non-competeNot recommended$100–$250$500–$1,500
NDA + negotiationN/AN/A$750–$2,000
How Costs Compare
11%
11%
78%
Multilateral (3+ parties) 11%
Employee NDA + non-compet 11%
NDA + negotiation 78%

Pro Tips for NDAs

Free templates work for most situations — SCORE, Nolo, and law school websites offer solid NDA templates. For a standard mutual NDA between two businesses, a template is fine
Mutual NDAs are almost always better than one-way — even if you're sharing more information, a mutual NDA shows good faith and the other party is more likely to sign without pushback
Keep the term reasonable — 2-5 years is standard. Perpetual NDAs are harder to enforce and scare people away. Trade secrets should be a separate category with indefinite protection
Define "confidential information" specifically — vague definitions make NDAs unenforceable. List categories of protected information rather than using catch-all language
Don't use NDAs as a substitute for trust — an NDA is a legal tool, not a relationship tool. If you don't trust someone enough to share information, an NDA won't change that
Non-competes are increasingly unenforceable — many states have banned or limited non-compete clauses. If your NDA includes a non-compete, have a lawyer review it for your specific state

When Do You Actually Need an NDA?

NDAs are genuinely needed when: sharing proprietary business processes, trade secrets, customer lists, financial data, unreleased product information, or merger/acquisition discussions. NDAs are often unnecessary for: sharing general business ideas (ideas aren't protectable anyway), early-stage startup pitches (most investors won't sign one), or casual business conversations. Over-using NDAs signals inexperience and can damage business relationships. Use them strategically for truly sensitive information.

Find Business Attorneys

Compare attorneys for NDA drafting and review

🔒 Free, no obligation. Your info stays private.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an NDA cost?▼
Free with a template, $30-$150 with an online service, $300-$1,500 with an attorney. Most standard NDAs cost $0-$300. Complex or negotiated NDAs: $750-$2,000.
Can I write my own NDA?▼
Yes — for standard mutual or unilateral NDAs between two businesses, a well-regarded template is sufficient. For employee NDAs with non-compete clauses or multi-party agreements, use an attorney.
Is an NDA legally enforceable?▼
Yes, when properly drafted with: clear identification of confidential information, reasonable time limits, specific obligations, and consideration (something of value exchanged). Vague or overly broad NDAs may not hold up in court.
What's the difference between unilateral and mutual NDA?▼
Unilateral: only one party shares confidential info (e.g., employer to employee). Mutual: both parties share confidential info (e.g., two businesses exploring a partnership). Mutual NDAs are more common in business deals.
How long should an NDA last?▼
2-5 years is standard for most business NDAs. Trade secrets should have indefinite protection as a separate category. Employee NDAs typically last 1-2 years after employment ends.
What happens if someone violates an NDA?▼
You can sue for breach of contract, seeking monetary damages and an injunction (court order to stop disclosure). You must prove: the NDA was valid, information was confidential, and the breach caused you harm. Litigation costs $10K-$100K+.
Related Calculators
Contract LawyerLLC CostTrademarkEmployment Lawyer
📊 Data Sources
Pricing from provider surveys, RealSelf, and industry reports. Updated March 2026.