Freelance Day & Hourly Rate Calculator
Work out the day or hourly rate you need as a freelancer to hit a target take-home income after business costs, tax and unpaid time off.
For information and education only — not financial advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; check important decisions with a qualified professional.
How to use
- 1Enter the take-home income you want and your yearly business costs.
- 2Enter your overall tax rate, working days, holidays and the share of time that's billable.
How it's calculated
Revenue needed = (target income ÷ (1 − tax rate)) + costs. Billable days = (working days − holidays − sick days) × billable share. Day rate = revenue ÷ billable days.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my rate so much higher than an employee's salary?
Freelancers pay their own tax, pension, equipment and insurance, get no paid holiday, and can't bill for admin, sales or gaps between clients.
What billable share is realistic?
Many freelancers bill 60–75% of working time; the rest goes on finding work, admin and learning.
What tax rate should I enter?
Your expected overall (effective) rate including income tax and social contributions for your country — not your top marginal rate.