Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator: Know Your Worth

One of the hardest parts of starting a freelance business or a side hustle is answering the question: "How much should I charge per hour?" If you price yourself too low, you will burn out and struggle to pay the bills. If you price yourself too high without justification, you might lose clients.

Most beginners calculate their rate by simply dividing their desired salary by standard 40-hour work weeks. But freelancers have unpaid admin work, business expenses, sick days, and taxes! Our free Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator does the complex math for you to find your true minimum hourly rate.

How to Use This Tool

• Desired Monthly Net Income: How much money do you actually want to take home every month to live comfortably?
• Monthly Business Expenses: Add up your software subscriptions, internet, marketing, and equipment costs.
• Estimated Tax Rate: As a freelancer, you are responsible for your own taxes. Enter your estimated local tax bracket (e.g., 10-25%).
• Billable Hours Per Week: This is crucial. You won't bill clients for 40 hours. You spend time answering emails, pitching, and doing accounting. A realistic billable week is 20-25 hours.
• Time Off (Weeks): How many weeks of vacation and sick leave do you want per year?

Freelance Tip: The rate calculated below is your "Minimum Required Rate" to hit your goals. Once you build a strong portfolio and reputation, you should start charging a premium above this baseline!