Freelance Rate Tool

Stop guessing your rates. Calculate exactly what you need to charge to hit your targets.

Analysis Dashboard

Live projections based on your current inputs.

Required Hourly Rate $0.00
Daily Rate (8h) $0.00
Monthly Billing Target $0.00
Rate Analysis
To hit your Goal with expenses and taxes, you need to bill approximately ... per hour.

Gap Analysis: This is ... above/below a standard $50/hr benchmark.

How to Set Freelance Rates

Setting your freelance rate is a balance between your financial needs and market value. Many new freelancers fail because they set their rates based on a previous salary, forgetting that as a freelancer, you must cover your own health insurance, equipment, taxes, and "non-billable" time (admin, sales, learning). Use this calculator to work backwards from your desired lifestyle to find a sustainable hourly or daily rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good billable efficiency?
Most full-time freelancers aim for 60-80% billable efficiency. The other 20-40% of your time is spent on marketing, bookkeeping, and professional development.
Should I charge by the hour or per project?
While project-based pricing is often more profitable for experienced freelancers, you still need to know your hourly "floor" (calculated here) to ensure projects are actually profitable.
How often should I raise my rates?
Review your rates at least once a year or every time your schedule is consistently full. Increasing your rates by 10-20% periodically is standard practice as you gain expertise.