Freelancer Rate Calculator
Everyday BudgetingCalculate the minimum hourly rate you need to charge to hit your income goal.
Changing the display currency only changes the symbol shown — amounts aren't converted, since this tool doesn't use live exchange rates.
Billable hours are usually less than total working hours once you account for admin, marketing, and unpaid time — that's why this is often lower than your total hours worked.
Minimum hourly rate to charge
$0
Total billable hours/year:
How this is calculated
Minimum Hourly Rate = (Desired Annual Income + Annual Overhead) ÷ (Billable Hours per Week × Working Weeks per Year).
Frequently asked questions
- Why are billable hours less than total working hours?
- Time spent on admin, marketing, invoicing, and finding clients isn’t billable — most freelancers can only bill a fraction of their total working time, which is why the rate needs to cover that gap.