Most new freelancers set their rate by looking at what others charge. This calculator starts from the other end: what you need to earn, and how many hours you can realistically bill.
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How the calculation works
Revenue needed = (Income you want to keep + Business costs) ÷ (1 − Tax %) Minimum hourly rate = Revenue needed ÷ (Working weeks × Billable hours per week)
Why billable hours matter so much
A full-time week is not 40 billable hours. Finding clients, writing proposals, invoicing, learning and admin all take time nobody pays for. Many freelancers bill well under 30 hours a week, so be conservative.
Assumptions and limits
- The tax field is a single effective rate. Real tax and social contributions depend on your country and business structure; ask a local accountant.
- The result is a floor. Your price should also reflect market rates in your niche and the value you deliver.
Next step: read how to start freelancing without Upwork.