🧑‍💻 Freelance Rate Calculator

How to use the Freelance Rate Calculator

1. Monthly expenses: Every personal expense you must cover — this is your floor. Never charge less than this.
2. Target income: What you want to earn beyond expenses. Factor in taxes — budget ~25–35% of income for self-employment taxes.
3. Billable hours: Be realistic. Freelancers typically bill 60–75% of their available time. The rest goes to admin, sales, and growth.
4. Vacation weeks: Working weeks per year = 52 minus vacation. Don't forget sick days, holidays, and slower months.

The minimum rate covers expenses + target income. Recommended rate adds a 30% buffer for unpaid time, late payments, and slow months — this is what most experienced freelancers charge. Premium rate (+60%) is appropriate once you have proven expertise and demand.