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Freelance Rate Calculator

Price from real billable hours, overheads and a tax buffer, then turn your rate into retainer and fixed-price project quotes.

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Updated: October 2026

Setting a price for your services is hard when you are not sure what your time is worth. This freelance rate calculator helps independent writers, designers, developers, and consultants turn a yearly income goal into an hourly or daily rate they can quote with confidence.

Work out your rate in four steps

  1. Enter the income you want to earn over a year, before taxes.
  2. Add your yearly business costs, such as software, equipment, insurance, and accounting.
  3. Enter how many hours per week you expect to spend on paid client work, and how many weeks per year you plan to work.
  4. Read the rate the calculator returns and compare it with what you would like to charge.

Tips for a more accurate rate

  • Count only billable hours. Admin, sales, and unpaid revisions still take time, so leave them out of the billable figure.
  • Be realistic about holidays and sick days when you enter weeks worked.
  • Run the calculator again if your costs or income goals change.

What this calculator does not cover

The calculator gives a starting point, not a final price. It does not know your local tax rules, your market rates, or how much work you can actually find. Check your own tax obligations with an accountant, and compare your result with other professionals in your field before you publish a rate.

Questions about freelance rates

Should I charge hourly or per project?

Hourly rates are simple to calculate, but project pricing can reward you for working efficiently. Many freelancers use the hourly result as a baseline and then price projects based on scope.

Does the result include taxes?

Set your income goal with taxes in mind. If the calculator does not separate taxes for you, add a margin for them so your target income is still left after you pay.

How often should I update my rate?

Review it at least once a year, and whenever your costs rise, your skills grow, or your workload changes.

Can I use the result for a retainer?

Yes. Estimate the monthly hours the client needs, then multiply by your rate. Consider offering a small discount for guaranteed time.

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