Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the "Billable Hours" input so important?

This is one of the most critical inputs for a realistic freelance rate. Many freelancers fall into the trap of thinking they can work 40 billable hours every week. The reality is, you have to account for non-billable work like finding clients, marketing, administrative tasks, and education. A more realistic number for a full-time freelancer is often between 20-25 billable hours per week. This calculator helps you price your services based on reality, not the 40-hour workweek myth.

What should I include in "Business Costs"?

Think of this as anything you spend money on to run your freelance business. This includes, but is not limited to:

Software subscriptions (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, project management tools)
Website hosting and domain names
Marketing and advertising costs
Home office expenses (a portion of your rent/mortgage, utilities, and internet)
Professional development (courses, books, conferences)
Health insurance premiums
Accountant or lawyer fees

A good estimate for starters is 15-20% of your desired income, but you should track your actual expenses for the most accurate results.

Does this calculator work for my country?

Yes and no. The core logic of the calculator—accounting for income goals, expenses, billable hours, and time off—is universal and works for any country. However, the "Tax Rate" input is highly specific to your location. The default rate is just an estimate. You should research the income and self-employment tax rates for your specific country, state, and local municipality to get an accurate result. We recommend consulting with a local tax professional.

Why is the result higher than I expected?

This is a common reaction, and it highlights why so many freelancers are underpaid. The rate this calculator provides isn't just your "take-home" pay. It's a comprehensive business number that includes:

Your desired annual salary.
The money you need to set aside for taxes.
All your business expenses.
A buffer for profit and business growth.

An employee's salary has taxes and benefits handled by the employer. As a freelancer, you are the employer, and you need to account for these costs in your rate.

Is my data private?

Absolutely. Your privacy is a top priority. All the calculations are performed directly in your browser (client-side). None of the financial data you enter is ever sent to our server or stored anywhere. You can disconnect from the internet, and the calculator will still work perfectly. We have no access to your numbers.