Business · Free calculator

What should I charge?

The hourly rate that covers the pay you want, your business costs and the hours you can’t bill. No account needed.

Your numbers

Answer each Yes/No question, then fill in the amounts that appear. Use 0 only when an amount is truly zero. Want to see how it works first? Load example numbers below.

Do your hours count only time you can bill to clients?

Leave out admin and time off. Your pay is before taxes. If you have staff, add their pay and payroll taxes to business costs.

YesNo

How much do you want to pay yourself each year? (dollars)

Before income tax and self-employment tax. Both come out of this amount: self-employment tax alone is about 14%. For example, 80,000.

How many weeks a year will you work? (weeks)

52 minus vacation, holidays and sick time. For example, 46.

How many hours a week can you bill to clients? (hours)

Only time you can charge for. Leave out admin, sales and travel. For example, 25.

How many billable hours make a working day for you?Used to show a day rate you can quote. A full day of billable work is usually 8 hours.

Does your business have costs to cover?

Yearly costs such as software, insurance, rent, equipment and accounting.

YesNo

Do you want profit left over after paying yourself?

Extra profit builds a cushion for slow months, equipment and growth.

YesNo

Your answer shows up here.

Answer the questions, then press Calculate.
Or load example numbers to see how it works.

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Assumptions, sources & limitations

Planning estimates only. Not a tax return, filing, payment, lending quote or personalized advice. Results depend on complete and accurate inputs. No guarantee of savings or penalty protection. Tax figures checked October 31, 2026; changes and special rules may apply. This initial release needs firm validation before client reliance.