Freelance Rate Calculator (Target Income → Real Hourly/Day Rate)

Turn a monthly income goal into a rate that accounts for time off and non-billable work.

What this tool does

Beginners often price too low because they assume every hour is billable. This calculator makes non-billable time visible. Use it to set a floor rate and a target rate, then package a clear deliverable so you sell outcomes—not endless hours.

How to use it

1) Enter target monthly income. 2) Enter workable days/month and billable hours/day. 3) Choose a non-billable allowance (30–50%). 4) Optional: add an overhead/tax buffer. 5) Calculate.

Example

Example: Target: $1,500/month Billable hours: 80/month → $18.75/hr base Add 30% buffer → ~$24.40/hr

Calculator

Target monthly income ($) Workable days per month Billable hours per day Non-billable allowance (%) Overhead/tax buffer (%)

Common mistakes / troubleshooting

Don’t set billable hours unrealistically high. Track admin and marketing time. If your rate feels high for your market, package outcomes, improve samples, and niche down.

FAQ

Should I price hourly or packages? Packages often scale better; hourly is simpler early.
How many billable hours/day is realistic? Often 2–5 depending on the work.
What if clients won’t pay my rate? Improve positioning and package outcomes.
Do I need a contract? A simple agreement helps avoid misunderstandings.
When do I raise rates? After delivery is consistent and demand is steady.