Free tool
Freelance rate calculator for designers
Find the hourly rate, day rate and project price that cover the income you want, your business costs, taxes and time off. Change the example values to your own.
How the calculator works
It works backwards from the money you need, then divides it by the hours you can really bill.
- Revenue needed = (take-home income + business costs) ÷ (1 − tax rate).
- Billable hours = (52 − weeks off) × working hours per week × billable share.
- Hourly rate = revenue needed ÷ billable hours, rounded up.
- Day rate = hourly rate × working hours per day (weekly hours ÷ 5).
- Project price = hourly rate × estimated hours.
The result is your minimum: the rate that covers your costs. Your experience, your niche and the value of the work to the client can all justify charging more.
Questions
Why are billable hours lower than working hours?
Not every working hour can be charged to a client. Emails, invoicing, marketing, learning and finding new work all take time. The billable share is the part of your week you can actually put on an invoice.
Should I charge by the hour or by the project?
Many designers quote a fixed project price and use their hourly rate to work it out: estimate the hours, multiply by your rate, then add a buffer for revisions. Clients see one clear number, and you still know what each hour is worth.
Is the tax rate exact?
No. Use a rough share of your income that goes to tax where you live. For an exact figure, ask an accountant or check your local tax office.
Is my data saved or sent anywhere?
No. The calculator runs in your browser. Nothing you type leaves your device.