Freelance Rate Calculator
Know exactly what to charge per hour, day and project.
Learn more
Most freelancers pick a number out of thin air — and undercharge for years because of it. This calculator works backwards from the income you actually want to take home, then adds tax, time off and business costs to give you a rate that pays for all of it.
It runs entirely in your browser: nothing is uploaded, and your numbers are saved only on your device. Adjust any field and the hourly, day and yearly rate update instantly.
What it helps with
- Setting your first freelance rate without guessing.
- Raising your rate with a number you can defend.
- Quoting day rates and fixed-project prices from a solid hourly floor.
Frequently asked questions
How is the recommended rate calculated?
We take the yearly income you want to keep, gross it up for your tax rate, add your business expenses and an optional profit margin, then divide by the hours you can actually bill in a year (after weeks off). That gives an hourly rate; the day rate is 8 hours and the weekly is your billable hours per week.
Why is my freelance rate higher than an employee wage?
As a freelancer you pay your own tax, holidays, sick days, equipment and the gaps between clients. A rate that looks high often nets the same as a much lower salaried wage once all of that is covered.
What are "billable hours"?
The hours a client actually pays for. Pitching, admin, learning and revisions usually are not billable, so most people can only bill 50–70% of their working week. Setting this honestly is what keeps your rate realistic.
Should I charge hourly or per project?
Clients often prefer a fixed project price, but you should build that price from your hourly rate (estimated hours × rate). That way a fixed quote never quietly pays below your floor.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. The calculation happens on your device and your inputs are stored only in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to a server.