Independent work tool

Build a freelance rate that covers the work around the work

Work backward from the income you need, realistic billable time, expenses, taxes, benefits, fees, and risk—then create a private worksheet or client-safe rate card.

Private assumptions

These numbers stay in your browser. Tax reserve is your planning percentage, not individualized tax advice.

Sustainable rate plan

Floor hourly rate—covers selected costs and reserves
Target hourly rate—includes profit/reinvestment buffer
Day rate—
Example project—
Monthly retainer—

Billable capacity—

Target billed revenue—

Working year—

Utilization—

Tax reserve—

Platform fees—

Bad-debt allowance—

Profit buffer—

Client-safe rate card

Notes

Use this space for project notes before saving as PDF.

Why the number is higher than salary ÷ 2,080

A freelancer cannot normally bill every working hour. Sales, administration, revisions, learning, equipment, insurance, time off, benefits, taxes, and unpaid invoices all have to be funded by the hours that can be billed.

The floor rate covers the assumptions entered above. The target rate adds the selected profit or reinvestment buffer.

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