Freelance Rate Calculator
Find your ideal hourly and project rate in 30 seconds. Based on your skills, experience, location, and financial goals.
Software, tools, insurance, taxes, etc.
How to use this freelance rate calculator
This calculator determines your ideal rate using two methods and recommends the higher one. First, it calculates a market-based rate using industry averages for your skill, adjusted for experience and location. Second, it calculates a needs-based rate using your desired income and business expenses divided by your available billable hours. The recommended rate is whichever is higher, ensuring you're both competitive and financially sustainable.
Why freelancers undercharge
Most freelancers set rates based on what feels comfortable rather than what the market supports. They forget to account for taxes, insurance, software, vacation time, and the hours spent on non-billable work like invoicing, follow-ups, and chasing client approvals. A tool like TryApprove can reclaim 5+ hours per week by eliminating email-based approval cycles, effectively increasing your billable capacity without working longer hours.