Freelance Rate Calculator
Stop guessing your worth. Calculate a data-driven hourly or project rate that covers your lifestyle, business expenses, taxes, and non-billable work hours.
Enter your financial goals to see your ideal rate.
The Math Behind Your Rate
Setting freelance rates is more art than science, but it must start with solid math. Many new freelancers make the mistake of simply dividing their desired annual salary by 2,080 (a standard 40-hour work year). This is a recipe for burnout.
The "Billable Hours" Trap
As a freelancer, you cannot bill 40 hours a week. You have administrative tasks, marketing, pitching, and professional development—none of which are paid by a client. A realistic billable week is often 20-25 hours. This calculator adjusts for that reality, ensuring you earn a full-time salary on part-time billable hours.
Expenses and Taxes
Unlike an employee, you are responsible for 100% of your overhead. This includes software subscriptions (Adobe, Office), hardware upgrades, health insurance, and self-employment taxes. Our calculator treats these as non-negotiable line items that must be covered by your client work before you take home a single dollar of profit.
Value-Based Pricing
While this tool calculates an hourly floor, consider moving to Value-Based Pricing for projects. If you can complete a $1,000 job in 2 hours because of your expertise, charging $100/hour penalizes you for being fast. Use this calculator to know your minimums, but quote based on the value you deliver to the client.