Freelance Rate Calculator

Figure out exactly how much you should charge per hour, per project, or per month based on your income goals and expenses.

How much you want to take home per year
Software, tools, insurance, office, etc.
Self-employment + income tax rate
Holidays, sick days, breaks
10 hrs50 hrs

Your Recommended Rates

Hourly Rate
$0/hr
Minimum to hit your goals
Project Rate
$0
Per average project
Monthly Retainer
$0/mo
For ongoing clients

Income Breakdown

Desired Take-Home$0
+ Business Expenses$0
+ Taxes (25%)$0
= Gross Revenue Needed$0
Billable Hours/Year0
Hourly Rate Required$0/hr

Now Put Your Rate Into a Professional Proposal

Use ProposalsAI to generate a polished, ready-to-send proposal with your rates in 30 seconds.

Generate My Proposal Free →

How to Calculate Your Freelance Rate

Setting the right freelance rate is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an independent professional. Charge too little and you'll burn out chasing volume. Charge too much without the positioning to back it up and you'll lose deals to competitors.

The Formula

The simplest approach: Hourly Rate = (Desired Income + Expenses + Taxes) / Billable Hours Per Year. Most freelancers are only billable for 60-70% of their working hours — the rest goes to admin, marketing, and business development.

Hourly vs. Project vs. Retainer

Hourly is simplest but caps your earning potential. Project-based pricing lets you charge for value delivered, not time spent. Retainers provide predictable income and deeper client relationships. Most successful freelancers use a mix.

Tips for Setting Your Rate

  • Research market rates for your skill set and experience level
  • Factor in non-billable time (proposals, admin, marketing)
  • Include benefits you'd get as an employee (health insurance, retirement, PTO)
  • Start slightly higher — it's easier to lower rates than raise them
  • Use professional proposals to justify your rates with clear value

Ready to put your calculated rate into action? Generate a professional proposal that presents your pricing confidently and wins you the deal.