Freelance Rate Calculator

Calculate your minimum rates to build a sustainable freelance business.

Stop undercharging. Know your numbers.

Your Numbers

$

Rent, food, insurance, software, equipment, etc.

$

What you want to earn after expenses

Realistic billable time (not total work hours)

Account for vacation and sick time (52 weeks max)

Self-employment + income tax (typically 25-35%)

Pro Tip: Most freelancers overestimate billable hours. Be conservative—25 hours/week is realistic when you account for admin, sales, and non-billable work.

Your Rates

$0
Minimum Hourly Rate
$0
Daily Rate (8hrs)
$0
Recommended (+25%)

The Math

Project Pricing Guide

Small
$0
10-15 hours
Medium
$0
30-40 hours
Large
$0
80-100 hours

How Many Clients Do You Need?

Why Most Freelancers Underprice

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting about taxes (25-35%)
  • Not accounting for unbillable time
  • Ignoring business expenses
  • Comparing to employee salaries (apples to oranges)
  • Pricing based on fear, not value

Reality Check

  • 50% of time is typically non-billable
  • You need emergency savings buffer
  • No paid vacation = factor it in
  • Health insurance, retirement = your responsibility
  • Higher rates = better clients

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