Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Check what you really earned after expenses, or work backward from the rate and income you want.
Free to use. No account required for this calculator.
Service rate calculator
Price this freelance project
Net earnings
$415.00
Effective rate /hr
$103.75
Versus target
+$28.75
These are planning estimates. Real rates should also account for taxes, downtime, scope risk, and local market expectations.
What goes into a freelance hourly rate?
A freelance hourly rate is not just take-home pay. It has to cover unpaid admin time, software, taxes, slow weeks, revisions, and business expenses.
Start by checking your effective rate after each project. Then work backward from an annual income goal and realistic billable hours so your rate supports the business you are actually running.
For project pricing, use the target-rate mode to convert hours and expenses into a quote that protects your margin.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?+
Divide your target annual income plus business expenses by your realistic annual billable hours. Then test project quotes against the time they actually take.
Should expenses be included in my hourly rate?+
Yes. Software, subcontractors, supplies, payment fees, and client-specific costs should be covered by the price you charge.
What is an effective hourly rate?+
Effective hourly rate is what you earned per hour after expenses. It is useful because a fixed-fee project can look good until you compare it to the time it took.
Can this help with project pricing?+
Yes. Choose the target-rate mode, enter your target hourly rate, estimated time, and expenses, and use the recommended charge as a starting point.
Save repeatable service rates
The ProfitCalc dashboard includes a Rate tab for common freelance, consulting, and project rates.