Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator.
Estimate what to charge per hour based on income goals, expenses, billable hours, and time off.
Turn goals into a rate.
See how expenses and time off affect your hourly rate.
Estimate a sustainable hourly rate.
Enter your income goals and working assumptions. Lunio calculates a recommended rate and a minimum sustainable rate.
How much you want to take home before tax.
Software, equipment, insurance, accounting, etc.
Adds a cushion for growth, taxes, and surprises.
Enter your assumptions to calculate.
Results
Updates instantly as you type.
How to figure out what to charge as a freelancer.
A sustainable rate includes your income goals, business expenses, and the reality that not every hour is billable.
Why billable hours matter
If you only bill 20–30 hours per week, your rate needs to cover the rest of your time spent on sales, admin, and delivery.
Expenses affect your hourly rate
Software subscriptions, insurance, tools, and taxes all increase what you need to earn to stay profitable.
Common freelance pricing mistakes.
Most freelancers underprice by ignoring expenses and overestimating billable hours. This tool helps you plan realistically.
Ignoring business expenses
Your rate should cover software, contractors, and professional fees.
Overestimating billable hours
Most freelancers bill 20–30 hours per week after admin time.
Skipping a buffer
A buffer keeps you covered during slow months and unexpected costs.
Freelance rate calculator FAQ
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?
Add your desired income and expenses, apply a buffer, then divide by annual billable hours.
How many billable hours should I assume?
Many freelancers plan for 20–30 billable hours per week, depending on their workload.
Should I include expenses in my rate?
Yes. Expenses reduce your take-home income if you do not include them.
Can I use this calculator in Canada?
Yes. The calculator is tailored for Canadian freelancers and small businesses.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. All Lunio free tools are available without an account.
Use Lunio to create invoices, track taxes, and manage your freelance business.
Send professional invoices and stay organized with client payments and GST/HST tracking.