How should I calculate a freelance hourly rate?

Start with your income goal, subtract expected business costs, and divide the required revenue by realistic billable hours.

Should a freelance rate include non-billable time?

Yes. Sales, administration, learning, leave, and unpaid gaps reduce billable hours and must be included in the rate.

Freelance Pricing Tools and Rate Calculators

Calculate a profitable freelance rate, compare freelance income with full-time pay, add GST, estimate taxes, and create client-ready proposals.

Choose your next step

Use this workflow to set a freelance rate that covers your costs and goals. Compare the result with full-time compensation. Then account for tax, fees, and the proposal you send to a client. A useful rate includes more than a target salary. It also includes non-billable time, business expenses, leave, equipment, risk, and savings. Use the tools in order when you need a complete pricing decision. Use one tool when you only need a quick estimate.

Tools in this workflow

5 free tools. Use the first tool that matches your current task.

Browse all tools

Set your rate

Calculate a rate from income goals, expenses, and billable time.

Freelance Rate Calculator

Calculate your ideal hourly rate with GST, expenses, and savings. Built for Indian freelancers.

Developers

Freelance vs Full-Time Comparison

Compare freelance income with full-time salary including all benefits, PF, and insurance.

Developers

Account for costs

Review GST and tax inputs before you confirm your client price.

GST Calculator (India)

Add or remove Indian GST and compare inclusive and exclusive invoice totals.

Personal Finance

Tax Calculator (India)

Compare the new vs old income-tax regime for FY 2025-26 with §87A rebate, marginal relief, and 4% cess.

Personal Finance

Prepare the client step

Turn the pricing decision into a clear proposal.

Freelance Proposal Generator

Build a winning project proposal — scope, timeline, pricing tiers, and deliverables — from your inputs. Copy-ready for clients.

Career & Compensation

Common questions

How should I calculate a freelance hourly rate?: Start with your income goal, subtract expected business costs, and divide the required revenue by realistic billable hours.
Should a freelance rate include non-billable time?: Yes. Sales, administration, learning, leave, and unpaid gaps reduce billable hours and must be included in the rate.

Continue learning

Compare your rate with full-time compensation View all career and compensation tools