Great Future · business

How to set a freelance rate

Turn income, capacity, costs and risk into a transparent hourly or project rate.

Reviewed 21 September 2026

Direct answer

A sustainable freelance rate must cover target income, non-billable time, leave, operating costs, payment fees and risk. Dividing a salary by every nominal working hour usually understates the required rate.

Open Freelance Rate Calculator

Worked example

Estimate working weeks and hours, then apply a realistic billable percentage. Add annual costs and benefits before dividing the required billings by billable capacity; the calculator keeps those assumptions visible.

Limits to check

A calculated floor does not prove market demand or replace a scoped quotation, tax plan or contract.

Official and primary sources

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