#freelance-calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
background: #fff;
padding: 20px;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
}
.calc-header {
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 30px;
}
.calc-header h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.calc-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.calc-grid {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
}
.input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #34495e;
font-size: 14px;
}
.input-group input {
width: 100%;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #bdc3c7;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.input-group input:focus {
border-color: #3498db;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(52,152,219,0.3);
}
.calc-btn {
width: 100%;
padding: 15px;
background-color: #3498db;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background 0.3s;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.calc-btn:hover {
background-color: #2980b9;
}
.results-section {
background-color: #f8f9fa;
border-left: 5px solid #2ecc71;
padding: 20px;
margin-top: 25px;
display: none;
}
.result-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
margin-bottom: 10px;
padding-bottom: 10px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
}
.result-row:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
padding-bottom: 0;
}
.result-label {
font-weight: 500;
color: #7f8c8d;
}
.result-value {
font-weight: 800;
color: #2c3e50;
font-size: 20px;
}
.highlight-result {
color: #27ae60;
font-size: 28px;
}
.article-content {
margin-top: 40px;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #444;
}
.article-content h3 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.article-content p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.article-content ul {
margin-bottom: 15px;
padding-left: 20px;
}
.error-msg {
color: #e74c3c;
font-size: 14px;
margin-top: 5px;
display: none;
}
function calculateFreelanceRate() {
// Get inputs
var annualGoal = parseFloat(document.getElementById('annualGoal').value);
var monthlyExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById('monthlyExpenses').value);
var billableHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('billableHours').value);
var weeksOff = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weeksOff').value);
var taxRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('taxRate').value);
// Validation
var errorDisplay = document.getElementById('error-display');
var resultDisplay = document.getElementById('result-display');
if (isNaN(annualGoal) || isNaN(monthlyExpenses) || isNaN(billableHours) || isNaN(weeksOff) || isNaN(taxRate)) {
errorDisplay.style.display = 'block';
resultDisplay.style.display = 'none';
return;
}
// Logic Check for valid ranges
if (weeksOff >= 52 || billableHours = 1) {
taxDecimal = 0.99; // Prevent division by zero or negative
}
var totalNetNeeded = annualGoal + annualExpenses;
var grossRevenueNeeded = totalNetNeeded / (1 – taxDecimal);
// 3. Calculate Total Billable Hours per Year
var workingWeeks = 52 – weeksOff;
var totalAnnualHours = billableHours * workingWeeks;
// 4. Hourly Rate
var hourlyRate = grossRevenueNeeded / totalAnnualHours;
// 5. Daily Rate (Assuming standard 8 hour availability, though billable might vary)
// Or simply Hourly * 8 for a day rate quote
var dailyRate = hourlyRate * 8;
// 6. Monthly Revenue Target
var monthlyRevenue = grossRevenueNeeded / 12;
// Formatting
document.getElementById('hourlyResult').innerText = '$' + hourlyRate.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('dailyResult').innerText = '$' + dailyRate.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('monthlyRevenueResult').innerText = '$' + monthlyRevenue.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('annualGrossResult').innerText = '$' + grossRevenueNeeded.toFixed(2);
// Show results
resultDisplay.style.display = 'block';
}
Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Calculate exactly what you need to charge to meet your annual income goals.
Please fill in all fields with valid numbers.
Minimum Hourly Rate:
$0.00
Daily Rate (8 hrs):
$0.00
Gross Monthly Revenue Needed:
$0.00
Total Annual Gross Revenue:
$0.00
Why This Calculation Matters for Freelancers
One of the biggest mistakes new freelancers make is attempting to match their previous full-time hourly wage. This calculator takes a "bottom-up" approach to pricing, ensuring your rate covers not just your salary, but your overhead, taxes, and time off.
Understanding Your Billable Hours
You might work 40 hours a week, but you likely cannot bill for 40 hours. Administrative tasks, marketing, invoicing, and professional development are "non-billable." Most successful freelancers aim for 20 to 30 billable hours per week to maintain a healthy work-life balance and run their business effectively.
The Factors in This Calculator
- Desired Net Income: The "take-home" pay you want for your lifestyle.
- Overhead Expenses: Costs like software subscriptions, health insurance, internet, and office space.
- Unpaid Time Off: Unlike employment, freelancers don't get paid vacation. You must price these weeks into your working hours.
- Taxes: Self-employment tax can be significant. Adding a tax buffer ensures you don't undercharge and face a surprise bill.
Use the resulting Minimum Hourly Rate as your floor. Depending on your niche, experience, and value provided, you should aim to charge above this number to generate profit.