How to use this calculator
- Enter the requested values for target owner salary ($), annual expenses ($), target profit margin (%).
- Review each input for the correct unit, pay period, and policy assumption.
- Calculate the result and read the explanation shown with each output.
- Compare the estimate with your time records, agreement, payroll system, or employer policy before relying on it.
Input guide
Target owner salary ($)
Provide the target owner salary ($) used for this specific estimate. Use the same period and unit as the other inputs.
Annual expenses ($)
Provide the annual expenses ($) used for this specific estimate. Use the same period and unit as the other inputs.
Target profit margin (%)
Provide the target profit margin (%) used for this specific estimate. Use the same period and unit as the other inputs.
Annual billable hours
Provide the annual billable hours used for this specific estimate. Use the same period and unit as the other inputs.
Annual revenue target
Provide the annual revenue target used for this specific estimate. Use the same period and unit as the other inputs.
Suggested freelance rate
Provide the suggested freelance rate used for this specific estimate. Use the same period and unit as the other inputs.
How this calculator works
Freelance rate = (target salary + expenses) ÷ (1 − profit margin) ÷ billable hours.
Worked example
A $70,000 salary target plus $15,000 expenses and 15% margin across 1,100 hours requires about $90.91 per hour.
How to interpret the result
Use the displayed result as a planning figure, not as an official payroll determination. A materially unexpected result usually means the entered period, rate, threshold, break, accrual rule, or conversion basis should be checked.
Rounding policy
Currency
Money values are rounded to the nearest cent; percentages to two decimals.
Assumptions and limitations
- All percentages are user-entered planning assumptions.
- Results exclude costs not represented by the selected inputs.
Frequently asked questions
Is this accounting or tax advice?
No. It is an operational planning estimate and should be checked against your records and professional guidance.
Should I include non-billable time?
Yes. Use realistic annual billable hours or utilization so the result does not understate the rate or cost required.
When should I recalculate with the Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator?
Recalculate whenever the hours, rates, schedule, pay period, policy assumptions, or planned usage changes. Saving the exact inputs makes comparisons more reliable.
How accurate is the Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator?
The arithmetic follows the formula shown on the page. Real payroll or policy outcomes can still differ because of contracts, jurisdictional rules, employer systems, taxes, deductions, caps, and rounding practices.