Free tool
How much should you charge per hour?
Tell us how much you want to earn each month and how many hours you'll bill. We'll tell you your minimum and recommended rate.
Your data
Monthly amounts, excluding VAT.
What you want to keep once all the taxes are paid.
Only the hours you can bill a client, not admin time.
Subscriptions, phone, workspace, materials…
Minimum
Covers your costs and target exactly. No margin for error.
32,40 €/h
Recommended
+20% to cover the unexpected and the quiet spells.
38,89 €/h
Desirable
+40% to grow, save and build a cushion.
45,37 €/h
Monthly breakdown
- Revenue needed
- 3.240,42 €
- Social security
- −427,21 €
- Estimated income tax
- −513,21 €
- Fixed expenses
- −300,00 €
- Target take-home
- 2.000,00 €
These figures are a guide. They exclude the VAT you charge (which isn't your income). Your actual income tax depends on your region and personal situation.
Why the hourly rate you have in mind isn't enough
Most freelancers get their rate wrong because they only count the hours they work, not the hours they bill. Sales meetings, admin, training, holidays… none of that is billable.
You also have to cover your social security contribution (between €200 and €590/month depending on your income), income tax (between 19% and 47% of your net income) and the fixed costs of your activity (software, phone, workspace…).
The "minimum" rate above covers your costs and your target exactly. The "recommended" rate (+20%) adds margin for quiet months, training or a project that slips. The "desirable" rate (+40%) lets you grow and save.
If a client tells you your rate is expensive, show them this breakdown. It isn't expensive: it's what your work actually costs.
Estimates only. This tool gives you an estimate based on the details you enter, but every situation is different and there may be factors it doesn't account for. It isn't a substitute for professional advice.
Contact our experts →Invoice properly from day one
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