Freelance Rate Calculator

Find your minimum hourly rate. Stop guessing, start earning what you deserve.

Your Goals

Software, equipment, office, insurance, marketing

Your Work Schedule

Realistic hours you can bill clients (not admin, marketing, etc.)
Subtract vacation, sick days, holidays

Taxes

Includes self-employment tax (15.3%) + income tax. Typical: 25-35%
Buffer for slow periods, reinvestment, savings

Your Minimum Hourly Rate

$108.33

per billable hour

Annual Salary Target$100,000
Business Expenses$12,000
Tax Burden$33,600
Profit Margin$29,120
Total Annual Revenue Needed$174,720
Billable Hours / Year1,200

How to Price Your Freelance Services

Why Most Freelancers Undercharge

Many freelancers set rates by guessing or copying competitors. This freelance rate calculator uses real math: your salary goals, business expenses, tax obligations, and billable hours. The result is your minimum sustainable rate — charge less and you're losing money.

Understanding the Numbers

Billable hours are the hours you can actually invoice clients. A 40-hour workweek might only include 20-25 billable hours after emails, marketing, admin, and business development. Self-employment tax is 15.3% on top of income tax. Business expenses include software subscriptions, equipment, insurance, office space, and professional development.

Freelance Pricing Strategies

  • Hourly billing — Simple but caps your income. Best for new freelancers.
  • Project-based pricing — Charge per deliverable. Rewards efficiency.
  • Value-based pricing — Charge based on client ROI. Highest earning potential.
  • Retainer model — Monthly fixed fee for ongoing work. Stable income.