Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Work out the hourly rate you need from your target income, billable hours, time off, and expenses. Runs in your browser.
Everything runs in your browser. No data is uploaded or stored.
About this tool
A quick utility: A calculator that turns the income you want into the hourly rate you actually need to charge.
It accounts for the hours you can really bill (not the hours you work), the weeks you take off, and the slice of revenue that goes to expenses and tax set-aside. Most freelancers undercharge because they divide salary by 2,080 hours and forget all three.
Every figure is yours to set, so the rate reflects your situation rather than a generic benchmark.
How to use it
- Enter the annual income you want to take home.
- Enter billable hours per week, weeks worked per year, and the % lost to expenses and tax.
- Read the hourly (and day) rate you need to hit that number.
Frequently asked questions
Is my data saved?
No. It calculates locally in your browser and stores nothing.
Why is my rate higher than my old salary implied?
Because an employee's 40 hours are paid; a freelancer's are not all billable, and you cover expenses, unpaid time off, and your own tax. The calculator makes those visible.
What counts as billable hours?
Only the hours a client actually pays for. Admin, sales, and breaks are not billable, so realistic weekly billable hours are usually well below 40.