Freelance Rate Calculator: What Should You REALLY Charge?
Stop guessing. Stop underpricing. Learn the psychology behind freelance pricing and charge what you're actually worth.
What you want to earn per year
Realistic hours you can bill
Software, equipment, subscriptions
Upwork, Fiverr fees (default 15%)
Set aside for taxes (default 30%)
How It Works:
We calculate your total annual costs (income + expenses + fees + taxes) and divide by your total billable hours per year.
💰 The Problem: Why Most Freelancers Underprice
I used to charge $25/hour. I thought I was being fair. I was wrong.
After tracking my actual billable hours, expenses, and taxes, I discovered I was making $12/hour. Less than minimum wage in many states.
Shocking Reality: Most freelancers are underpricing by 40-60% without realizing it.
🎯 The Solution: Math-Based Pricing
Stop charging based on feelings or what competitors charge. Use our calculator to determine your actual optimal rate based on:
- Your desired annual income (what you actually want to earn)
- Your actual billable hours (not what you wish you could work)
- Monthly business expenses (software, equipment, etc.)
- Platform fees (Upwork, Fiverr percentages)
- Tax buffer (30% for safety)
💭 Price Anchoring
When freelancers see "$75/hour" as the "going rate," they anchor to it. They think $50 is reasonable because it's higher than their current rate.
Reality: There's no "going rate." Rates vary wildly by skill, experience, industry, and client type. $75/hour might be premium for one freelancer but entry-level for another.
😰 Imposter Syndrome
New freelancers often feel like frauds charging high rates, so they underprice themselves to seem "reasonable."
Result: Charging $25/hour when you're worth $75/hour.
🎭 Fear-Based Pricing
"If I charge that much, I won't get any work!"
Result: Leaving $50,000+ on the table annually by underpricing.
⚖️ The Comparison Trap
Looking at what competitors charge instead of your actual costs and goals.
Result: Charging based on market rates, not your business reality.
Case Study 1: The Designer Who Doubled His Rates
Before: $50/hour, 3 projects/month, $6,000 monthly income
After Calculator: Discovered he should charge $85/hour
Result: Raised rates to $75/hour, clients accepted without hesitation, monthly income increased to $9,000
Case Study 2: The Writer Who Stopped Guessing
Before: $40/hour, "whatever clients think is fair"
After Calculator: $65/hour based on her actual expenses and goals
Result: More confident proposals, 20% higher acceptance rate, $8,500 monthly income
Ready to Charge What You're Worth?
Use our calculator above to discover your optimal rate. Then charge it confidently.