Freelance Rate Calculator
Stop guessing what to charge. Enter the income you want, how many hours you can actually bill, and your expenses — and find the hourly and day rate that covers it all.
What you want to take home in a year, before business expenses.
Software, equipment, internet, insurance, marketing and similar costs.
Your result will appear here
Your freelance rate
Hourly rate = (desired income + annual expenses) ÷ (billable hours per week × billable weeks per year). Day rate = hourly rate × 8. Remember this is a starting point — it does not include taxes, holidays beyond the weeks you excluded, or non-billable time spent finding clients.
How to use
- Enter the annual income you want to earn and your yearly business expenses.
- Enter your billable hours per week and billable weeks per year — leave out holidays and non-billable time.
- Click Calculate My Rate to see your hourly rate and 8-hour day rate.
Frequently asked questions
How is the hourly rate calculated?
Hourly rate = (desired annual income + annual business expenses) ÷ (billable hours per week × billable weeks per year). You need to earn your income and cover your costs in the hours you actually bill.
Why use billable hours instead of 40 hours a week?
Freelancers rarely bill 40 hours. Time goes to finding clients, admin, learning and holidays. Using only the hours you can actually charge for gives a rate you can really live on.
Does this include taxes?
No. This calculator does not add tax. Set aside a share of your income for tax on top of this rate, following the rules where you live.
Should I charge this exact rate?
Treat it as a floor, not a fixed price. If the market pays more for your skill, charge more — and review the rate at least once a year as your costs and experience change.