Know your true minimum rate
Most freelancers undercharge because they forget taxes, downtime, and expenses. This calculator factors in everything so you never undersell your time.
Freelancer Day Rate Calculator
Calculate your minimum freelance day rate and hourly rate based on annual income goal, taxes, expenses, and billable days. Free freelance rate calculator for consultants and contractors.
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How to use Freelancer Day Rate Calculator
- 1
Enter your annual income target (the take-home pay you want after tax).
- 2
Set your working weeks per year (default 48 to allow for holidays and sick days).
- 3
Enter the percentage of time lost to non-billable work (admin, meetings, downtime).
- 4
Add your annual business expenses (software, equipment, insurance, etc.).
- 5
Enter your effective tax rate to calculate the gross rate you need to charge.
- 6
Read your minimum day rate and hourly rate in the results panel.
Why use this tool?
Covers all income structures
Works for consultants, contractors, designers, developers, writers, and any self-employed professional regardless of industry.
Instant sensitivity analysis
Adjust sliders to instantly see how changing billable days, tax rate, or expenses shifts your required rate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my freelance day rate?
Start with your desired annual take-home income, add business expenses, gross it up for taxes, then divide by the number of billable days per year (working days minus non-billable time for admin, holidays, and downtime). This gives you a minimum day rate; add a profit margin on top.
What is a good non-billable percentage for freelancers?
Most freelancers lose 20–35% of working time to non-billable tasks: client acquisition, admin, invoicing, learning, and downtime between projects. If you are just starting out, assume 30–40% until you build a steady client base.
Should I charge a day rate or hourly rate?
Day rates simplify invoicing and are preferred for project-based work. Hourly rates work well for ongoing retainer or support work where scope varies. Use this calculator to find both — your day rate divided by 8 gives your effective hourly rate.
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