Free calculator

Freelance Rate Calculator

Back-solve from your target take-home to a minimum freelance rate. Factors in tax, benefits, business expenses, and unbillable time.

Target take-home income (after tax)

Annual business expenses

Software, subscriptions, co-working, insurance.

Effective tax rate

Federal + state + SE tax combined.

Weeks off per year

Vacation, holidays, sick time.

wks

Hours available per week

hrs

Utilization (billable %)

Account for sales, admin, and unbillable time — 50-70% is realistic.

Minimum hourly rate

$131

Day rate (8 hrs)

$1,050

Weekly rate (40 hrs)

$5,250

Gross revenue needed

$120,286

Billable hours / year

917 hrs

Utilization applied

65%

Tip. This is your floor, not your ceiling. Price projects based on value to the client, not just hours — you'll usually end up higher than this number.

This calculator provides general projections only and is not individualized tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified CPA for your specific situation.