Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Find the hourly and day rate that covers the income you want, your costs, your tax and the time you cannot bill.
The rate you need
Ready to bill at your new rate? Create a professional invoice with GST in minutes, free.
BillForge creates GST invoices with the tax already worked out — gap-free Rule 46 numbering, GSTR-1 & 3B export, TDS records. Free for 3 months, no card needed. Your CA should still review what you file.
Start free for 3 monthsFrequently asked questions
How do I work out my freelance hourly rate?
Add the monthly take-home you want and your business costs, gross it up for tax, add a buffer, then divide by the hours you can really bill in a year. That is what this calculator does.
Why are billable hours lower than working hours?
Finding clients, sending invoices, learning and admin are unpaid. Most freelancers bill 20 to 30 hours in a 40-hour week, so rates calculated on 40 billable hours are too low.
What tax percentage should I use?
Use your own estimate, or ask your CA for the share of your revenue that goes to income tax. Many freelancers set aside 15% to 25%.
Should my rate include GST?
No. If you are GST-registered, add GST on top of your rate on each invoice. It is collected for the government and is not your income.
Is a day rate just eight times the hourly rate?
Not here. The day rate is the hourly rate times the billable hours you do on a working day, which keeps the number consistent with your weekly plan.