💻 Freelance Rate Calculator
Work backward from the monthly income you actually want to keep, to the hourly rate you need to charge clients — accounting for overhead costs and tax, not just take-home math.
Billable hours are almost always less than total working hours — admin, proposals, client calls, and unpaid downtime eat into the month. Most freelancers significantly overestimate their realistic billable hours, which is the most common reason freelance rates end up too low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my billable hours number usually lower than total hours worked?
Non-billable work — invoicing, client communication, proposal writing, software/admin tasks — typically consumes a significant chunk of a freelancer's working month, often 20-40% depending on the type of work.
What should I include in 'overhead'?
Software subscriptions, equipment, internet, co-working space, professional insurance, and any other business costs that aren't covered separately from your personal income target.
Should I charge exactly this calculated rate?
Treat it as your minimum viable rate — what you need to hit your income target. Market positioning, experience level, and client budgets all factor into what you can actually charge above that floor.
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