Freelance Rate Calculator — What Should I Charge?
Calculate your minimum hourly rate, day rate, and what you should actually charge as a freelancer. Based on your income goal, expenses, and billable hours.
After tax take-home target
Vacation + holidays
Hours clients actually pay for
Software, equipment, insurance
How to calculate your freelance rate
Your rate must cover three things: your personal income target, your business expenses, and the reality that not every hour is billable. The formula: (desired income + annual expenses) ÷ billable hours per year = minimum hourly rate. Most freelancers work 48 weeks and bill 25–35 hours per week. The 20% buffer the calculator adds accounts for scope creep, late payments, and slow months — without it, you'll consistently undercharge.
Why your effective hourly rate is lower than you think
If you charge $75/hr but only bill 25 hours of a 40-hour week, your effective rate is $46.88/hr. The unbillable 15 hours go to admin, sales, revisions, and professional development. Factor this in by being honest about your weekly billable hours in the calculator — most freelancers overestimate by 20–30%.
Raising rates as a freelancer
The clearest signal to raise your rate: you're turning down work or booked 3+ weeks in advance. Raise by 15–25% with existing clients giving 30–60 days notice. New clients always get your new rate immediately. The goal is to reach a point where you can be selective — working fewer hours with better clients at a higher rate.
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