BUSINESS TOOL / 32

Set your rate.
Protect your time.

Estimate the minimum hourly rate your freelance business needs to cover your income goal, operating costs, and non-billable time.

Annual income goal

Annual business costs

Working weeks per year

Work hours per week

Billable time (%)

Safety buffer (%)

Billable hours / year1,152

Minimum hourly rate$62.50

Suggested rate with buffer$71.88

This is a planning estimate. It does not calculate income tax, sales tax, or local employment rules.

QUICK ANSWERS

Why include billable time?

Freelancers spend part of the week on sales, admin, learning, and unpaid messages. Only billable hours should carry the income goal.

What should I do with the result?

Use the suggested rate as a starting point for quotes, retainers, and project pricing. Adjust it for scope and client value.

Set your rate.Protect your time.