Freelance Rate Calculator
What should you charge as a freelancer? Enter your target income, expenses, and available hours — this hourly rate calculator for freelancers shows the rate that covers your costs, with every step of the math laid out.
Your numbers
Everything runs in your browser. Adjust any field and the rate updates instantly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?
Add your target yearly income and business expenses, account for taxes as a percentage input, then divide by the billable hours you actually expect to work in a year. Our calculator shows the full formula with your own numbers so you can check every step.
What is a good hourly rate for freelancers?
It depends on your skills, market, and costs. A common starting point is the cost-based method: what you need to earn divided by the hours you can bill. Sample ranges by experience level are listed on our experience level page — they are sample data for orientation, not advice.
Should I charge hourly or a fixed project rate?
Hourly suits undefined or open-ended work; a fixed project rate rewards efficiency and is easier for clients to approve. Our pricing guide compares fixed price vs hourly for freelancers with worked examples.
How many billable hours can I expect per year?
Many freelancers bill 20 to 30 hours per week after admin, marketing, and revisions — a full 40-hour week of billable work is rare. The calculator lets you set your own weekly billable hours and unpaid time off buffer.
Does the calculator handle taxes?
Taxes enter only as a percentage input in the cost formula, so your rate covers your target take-home pay. The calculator does not give tax or financial advice — it is an informational tool.
Is my data stored anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser and your inputs stay in your device's local storage. There is no account and no server.