Freelancer Rate Calculator
Calculate your minimum freelance hourly rate based on desired income, billable hours, vacation weeks, business expenses, and tax rate. Get suggested rates and project estimates.
How to Use
Enter desired annual income
The take-home salary you want to earn after expenses and taxes.
Set billable hours per week
Realistic hours per week you can bill to clients (not total working hours).
Enter vacation weeks and expenses
Weeks off per year and monthly business expenses like software and equipment.
Set your tax rate
Enter your estimated self-employment and income tax percentage.
View your rate
See minimum hourly rate, suggested rate with buffer, and project estimates.
Features
Minimum Hourly Rate
The floor rate you must charge to hit your income goals.
Suggested Rate
Rate with a 20% buffer to account for slow periods and variable income.
Project Estimates
Instantly see rates for 10h, 20h, 40h, and 80h projects.
Expense & Tax Aware
Factors in business expenses and self-employment taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Reading
Practical guides matched to this calculator, its inputs, and the result users need to trust.