CostOak

Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator

Start with what you want to take home and work backward. This turns that number into the minimum rate you need to charge once overhead, taxes and all the hours you can't bill are counted.

Your tax rate depends on where you live and your income. Use your own figure; this isn't tax advice.

Minimum hourly rate
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Day rate
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Revenue needed per year
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Billable hours per year
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Example project
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The formula

Revenue needed = income ÷ (1 − tax %) + overhead. Billable hours = hours per week × (52 − weeks off). Minimum rate = revenue ÷ billable hours.

Last checked: 17 Oct 2026. Runs in your browser. Related: Small-Business Software Stack Cost Calculator to size your overhead, and the Stripe Fee Calculator or PayPal Fee Calculator to see what card fees take from each invoice. Thinking of hiring help instead? Try the Employee Cost Calculator. Step-by-step guide: how to set your freelance hourly rate.