Know the minimum rate that actually pays your bills.
Enter your income goal, expenses, tax rate, and billable hours. Get the hourly and day rate you need to charge — no guessing.
Freelance hourly rate calculator
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Why most freelancers undercharge
Most freelancers base their rate on what feels comfortable to say, not what the math requires. They forget taxes, skip expenses, and use 40 billable hours instead of a realistic 20-25. The result: working full-time for part-time pay.
The billable-hours trap
- Invoicing is not billable time
- Proposals and sales calls are not billable
- Revisions often exceed scope
- Tech, banking, and admin eat 5-10 hrs/week
Rate negotiation tips
Quote your day rate first — it anchors high and feels less scrutinized than an hourly. When asked for a discount, offer to reduce scope instead. And always present your rate with confidence: hesitation signals that you don't believe it yourself.
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