FREE TOOL · NO ACCOUNT REQUIRED
Freelance hourly rate calculator
Turn your target income, expenses, taxes, and billable time into a sustainable minimum hourly rate. Then use that baseline to price days and projects without guessing.
Updated August 1, 2026
ESTIMATED SUSTAINABLE RATE
$85.00Sentence for explaining the rate
My reference rate is $85.00 per hour. It accounts for realistic billable time, business expenses, tax, and service continuity. For an estimated 20-hour scope, the reference is $1,700.00; the final quote depends on deliverables, revisions, risk, and timing.
Your income, expenses, and percentages are calculated on this device. They are not sent or stored.
01 · A RATE YOU CAN EXPLAIN
Do not divide a salary by 160 hours
1. Start with take-home
Define what you need to retain after business expenses and tax.
2. Count real hours
Remove administration, sales, time off, and weeks without client work.
3. Protect continuity
Include tools, fees, and a reasonable reserve that keeps the service sustainable.
4. Price the scope
Use the rate internally and present a client price tied to clear deliverables.
FREE WORKSHEET · 3 PAGES
Take the calculation with you
Leave your email and download the formula, seven inputs, a worked example, and a pre-quote checklist. No payment or subscription will start.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why use billable hours instead of all working hours?
Sales, administration, learning, and time off still consume capacity but are usually not billed to a client.
Does the rate include tax?
The calculation increases required billings using your estimate, but you should validate your tax system and obligations with a professional.
Should I show this hourly rate to the client?
Not necessarily. You can use it as an internal baseline for fixed projects, packages, or day rates with a clear scope.