Freelance hourly rate calculator
Find the minimum hourly, day and project rate you need to charge to reach your take-home income goal.
Free · Runs in your browser · No sign-up
How it’s calculated
First the calculator grosses up your take-home goal for tax, then adds your business expenses to find the revenue you need. It divides that by the hours you can realistically bill in a year.
This is your minimum (break-even) rate. Add a margin for slow months, late payers and growth, and compare it with market rates for your field.
Pre-tax profit = Take-home income ÷ (1 − tax rate ÷ 100)Revenue needed = Pre-tax profit + ExpensesBillable hours = Hours per week × (52 − weeks off)Hourly rate = Revenue needed ÷ Billable hoursDay rate = Hourly rate × Hours per day · Project rate = Hourly rate × Project hours
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?
Add your desired income (before tax) and business expenses, then divide by the number of hours you can bill in a year. This calculator does that for you, including tax and time off.
How many billable hours should I assume?
Far fewer than you work. Admin, sales, invoicing and learning take time, so many freelancers bill 20–30 hours in a 40-hour week.
Should I charge hourly, daily or per project?
Hourly is simplest for open-ended work. Day rates suit on-site or full-day engagements. Project prices reward efficiency — base them on your hourly rate × estimated hours, plus a buffer for scope risk.
Why is the result higher than an employee’s hourly wage?
Freelancers pay their own taxes, social contributions, equipment, insurance and unpaid time off, and can’t bill every working hour.
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Results are estimates for general information only and are not tax, legal or financial advice.