Free tool
Freelance rate calculator
Updated November 5, 2026. Runs entirely in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Enter the yearly take-home you want, realistic billable hours, overhead %, and a tax buffer. You'll see an hourly rate to quote and a calm sentence for rate talks. Simple arithmetic only—not financial or tax advice.
How to use the number
- Use billable hours you can actually sell, not a full-time 40×52 fantasy calendar.
- Raise overhead if software, insurance, contractors, or unpaid admin eat a large share of revenue.
- Treat the tax buffer as a planning pad; your filing situation may need a higher or lower number.
- When the hard part is saying the rate on a sales call or email—or renegotiating a lowball offer—use a script, not improvisation under stress.
What to say when they push on price
Knowing the rate is step one. Holding it on a client call, a counteroffer, or a family money talk is where people freeze. The Offer Kit ($29) gives word-for-word lines for ask-and-hold moments plus Call Mode. If cash flow and bills are the real squeeze behind the rate, see the Bills Kit ($19). One-time purchase, 14-day refund on both.
Get the Offer Kit, $29 Get the Bills Kit, $19
How do freelancers set an hourly rate?
A common sketch starts from the take-home you want for the year, divides by realistic billable hours, then adds overhead (software, insurance, unpaid admin) and a tax buffer so the quote covers more than take-home alone. This tool only does that arithmetic on what you enter.
What counts as billable hours?
Hours you can actually invoice clients—not total hours awake. Many freelancers bill far fewer than 40 hours a week after sales, admin, holidays, and slow weeks. Use a honest weekly and yearly estimate, not a best-case calendar.
Is this financial or tax advice?
No. It is simple arithmetic on the numbers you type, plus a sample sentence you can adapt. It is not a pricing strategy, tax plan, or substitute for advice from a qualified professional.
Guidance only, not legal, financial, or tax advice. The calculator does simple arithmetic on the numbers you enter.