Freelance Rate Calculator
Calculate your ideal freelance hourly rate to meet your income goals after taxes and expenses.
Freelance Rate Calculator
Calculate your ideal freelance hourly rate based on income goals
Formula
Hourly Rate = (Income + Expenses) ÷ (1 - Tax Rate) ÷ Billable HoursHow to Use This Calculator
- 1
Set income goal
Enter your desired annual take-home income.
- 2
Estimate billable hours
Input how many hours per week you can bill clients.
- 3
Add working weeks
Account for vacation and non-billable time.
- 4
Include expenses
Add your annual business expenses.
- 5
View your rate
See your recommended hourly, daily, and monthly rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should I bill?
Most freelancers can bill 20-30 hours per week. The rest goes to admin, marketing, and business development.
Should I charge hourly or project-based?
Project-based pricing often earns more as you get faster. Start hourly to understand your time, then transition to project rates.
How do I handle taxes?
As a freelancer, you're responsible for self-employment tax (15.3%) plus income tax. Set aside 25-35% of income for taxes.