Freelance Rate Calculator

Find the minimum freelance hourly rate you need to charge based on your desired income and expenses.

Desired Annual Income ($)Annual Business Expenses ($)Billable Hours per YearProfit Buffer (%)

Minimum Rate

$60.00/hr

With 20% Buffer

$72.00/hr

Formula

Min Rate = (Desired Income + Expenses) ÷ Billable Hours

Example: $80K income + $10K expenses ÷ 1,500 hrs × 1.2 = $72/hr

Typically 1,200–1,500 hours per year for freelancers, accounting for marketing, admin, and vacation time.

A 20–30% buffer covers taxes, unexpected expenses, and slow months.