Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Freelance rate calculator using target annual income, business expenses, billable weeks, billable hours, and a profit buffer.
A sustainable freelance rate must cover more than work time. It also supports unpaid administration, sales, software, equipment, insurance, taxes, time off, and gaps between projects.
This calculator produces a starting business rate before personal income taxes. Validate it against your market, experience, scope, and the value of the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Why are billable hours lower than work hours?
Freelancers spend time on proposals, marketing, bookkeeping, learning, and administration that clients may not pay for directly.
Does the rate include taxes?
The revenue target is before personal taxes. Add a tax reserve based on professional guidance and your situation.
Should every client pay the same rate?
Not necessarily. Scope, urgency, risk, rights, complexity, and value can justify project-specific pricing.