How many billable hours should I assume?

Many freelancers bill 20 to 30 hours a week once sales, admin and learning time are counted. Use your own records if you have them.

Should I charge by the hour or by the project?

Either works. Use the hourly figure as the floor when you price a project, so a fixed fee still covers your time.

No. The calculator runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.

Free tool · Freelancers

Freelance hourly rate calculator

Start with the take-home income you want, add business expenses and a tax set-aside, then divide by the hours you can realistically bill. The result is the minimum hourly rate that gets you there.

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Billable hours per year1,150

Revenue needed per year$126,285.71

Minimum hourly rate$109.81

Invoice at your new rate: HelloBooks Free includes unlimited invoices and email payment reminders, $0.

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Why freelance rates are higher than salaries suggest

An employee is paid for about 2,080 hours a year, with holidays, equipment and half of Social Security and Medicare covered by the employer. A freelancer pays for all of that, and rarely bills every working hour: admin, sales and gaps between projects are unpaid. That is why the calculator asks for billable hours and weeks off, not a 40-hour week.

The tax set-aside is your own estimate. Use the self-employment tax calculator to see the Social Security and Medicare part.

Get paid at the new rate

HelloBooks Free includes unlimited invoices and unlimited email payment reminders, so chasing payment is not another unbilled hour. $0, no credit card.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many billable hours should I assume?: Many freelancers bill 20 to 30 hours a week once sales, admin and learning time are counted. Use your own records if you have them.
Should I charge by the hour or by the project?: Either works. Use the hourly figure as the floor when you price a project, so a fixed fee still covers your time.
Is my data saved?: No. The calculator runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.