Calculate your freelance hourly rate — enter desired annual income, billable hours per week, and business expenses to find the rate you need to charge. Results update live as you type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the freelance hourly rate calculated?
Hourly rate = (Desired income + Annual expenses) ÷ (Billable hours per week × Weeks worked per year). This covers both your take-home target and business costs.
How many billable hours should I plan for?
Most freelancers bill 20–30 hours per week after accounting for admin, marketing, and vacation. A 48-week year is common to allow for time off.
What expenses should I include?
Include software subscriptions, equipment, insurance, taxes, retirement contributions, and any subcontractor costs you pay from your business revenue.
Does this account for taxes?
Only if you add estimated tax payments to your annual expenses field. For salary comparisons, try the Salary Calculator.
Is this tool free and does it work on mobile?
Yes on both counts. The Freelance Rate Calculator on draft21 is completely free with no sign-up required and works on all devices.