Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator – What Should You Charge?

Calculate your freelance hourly rate based on income goals, expenses, and billable hours. Free tool with industry benchmarks and profit breakdown.

—
Your minimum hourly rate

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your Desired annual income
  2. Enter your Billable hours per week
  3. Enter your Working weeks per year
  4. Enter your Business expenses (% of income
  5. Click Calculate to see your result
  6. Review the breakdown below the result

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this calculator?
This gives your break-even rate — the minimum you need to charge to hit your income goal after expenses. Add 20–30% buffer for business slow periods.
What counts as a business expense?
Software subscriptions, equipment, insurance, accounting fees, marketing, home office percentage. Most freelancers underestimate this at 15–25% of revenue.
Should I charge more than the calculated rate?
Yes — this is your floor, not your ceiling. Factor in your niche, experience, and market rates. Many freelancers charge 2–3x their calculated minimum.
How many billable hours is realistic?
Most freelancers bill 50–60% of total work time. A 40hr week typically yields 20–25 billable hours. The rest goes to admin, sales, and non-billable work.