Calculator guide

Freelancer Hourly Rate Calculator

Freelancers need to charge enough to cover tax, contributions, business expenses, non-billable time and vacation. This calculator converts a target net income into the hourly rate you need to charge.

How this tool helps

Enter your target monthly net income, estimated tax percentage, business expenses and billable hours to see the required hourly and daily rate.

Designed for Europe Adjust values for any country.
Quick estimates See results in seconds.
Accuracy: Manual estimate Freelance

Calculator data status

This page currently uses manual calculator fields. Official country-specific payroll rates have not been fully added yet.

Data status: Manual estimate only Last reviewed: Not reviewed Manual review needed Manual estimate fields Calculator page

Official sources: 0 / 6 categories

Income tax source: Missing Social insurance source: Missing VAT source: Missing Pension source: Missing Health source: Missing Employer contributions source: Missing

Estimate only. This calculator uses the values and rates shown on this page. Tax, pension, health insurance, social security, unemployment and employer contribution rules differ by country and may change over time. Always verify important calculations with official government sources or a qualified payroll, tax or accounting professional.

Try the Freelancer Hourly Rate Calculator

Enter your target monthly net income, estimated tax percentage, business expenses and billable hours to see the required hourly and daily rate.

Result

Fill the form and press calculate to see an estimate.

Assumptions used

Review the inputs and limits behind this planning estimate.

How to use this calculator

Freelancers need to charge enough to cover tax, contributions, business expenses, non-billable time and vacation. This calculator converts a target net income into the hourly rate you need to charge.

Enter your values, then review the result to see what each number means in your planning context.

The calculator is a planning aid only, not a substitute for official financial or tax guidance.

Popular country versions

Open the same tool with country-specific values and local context.

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Gross to Net Salary Estimate

Estimate net salary from gross income using manual tax, social security, pension, health insurance and employer cost fields.

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Net to Gross Salary Estimate

Compare gross income, estimated net pay, employee deductions and employer total cost using manual payroll assumptions.

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VAT Calculator

Add or remove VAT from a price using the standard rate or a custom percentage.

View VAT Calculator

Frequently asked questions

Why is my freelance hourly rate higher than my employee hourly wage?

As a freelancer you pay all your own tax, contributions, business expenses and lose income for holidays and non-billable work. All of these must be covered by your rate.

Should I include non-billable time?

Yes. Administration, meetings, marketing and other non-billable activities reduce your effective billable hours. Enter a realistic non-billable buffer percentage.

Should I include tax and social contributions?

Yes. Freelancers typically pay income tax, social security, health insurance and pension contributions from their revenue. Enter your estimated total rate.

What business expenses should I include?

Include software, equipment, insurance, accounting, co-working space, internet, phone and any other regular costs required to operate.

Is this official tax advice?

No. This is a planning estimate. Consult a tax professional or accountant for official freelance tax and contribution advice.