Set profitable rates for your services based on your costs, time, and market standards
This tool is essential for freelancers, consultants, and service providers who struggle with pricing. Whether you're just starting out or want to raise your rates, this calculator helps you set prices that cover your costs, pay you fairly for your time, and remain competitive in your market.
The Offer & Pricing Calculator will be embedded here. Users will input their desired income, expenses, time investment, and market rates to calculate optimal pricing.
Set your income goal: How much do you want to earn per month or year from this side hustle? Be realistic but don't undervalue yourself.
Calculate your costs: Include direct expenses (materials, software, platform fees), overhead (workspace, equipment), and taxes (self-employment + income tax).
Estimate billable hours: How many hours per month can you realistically bill to clients? Remember to account for non-billable time (admin, marketing, etc.).
Research market rates: Enter the typical rate range for your service in your market. This helps you price competitively while ensuring profitability.
Get your pricing recommendation: See your minimum viable rate, target rate, and premium rate options with explanations for each tier.
Meet Carlos M. – Freelance web developer
Carlos's inputs:
Carlos's pricing recommendations:
Minimum Viable Rate
$73/hr
This covers your costs and income goal but leaves no buffer. Only use this rate if you're just starting or in a very competitive market.
Target Rate (Recommended)
$85/hr
This rate includes a 15% buffer for slow months, unpaid time, and business growth. It's competitive within your market range and sustainable long-term.
Premium Rate
$100/hr
For specialized projects, rush work, or clients who value premium service. Position yourself as an expert and deliver exceptional results to justify this rate.
Recommendation for Carlos: Start at $85/hour for most clients. This rate is competitive, sustainable, and allows room for growth. For complex projects or clients with bigger budgets, test $100/hour. Avoid going below $73/hour unless absolutely necessary.
It depends on your service. Hourly works well for ongoing work or when scope is unclear. Per-project pricing is better when you can estimate time accurately and want to be rewarded for efficiency. This calculator helps you set hourly rates, which you can then use to estimate project prices.
Check freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer), ask in industry communities, review competitor websites, and search for salary surveys in your field. Look for rates specific to your experience level and location.
You have three options: (1) Reduce your costs or increase efficiency, (2) Target higher-paying clients or niches, or (3) Accept lower margins initially while building your reputation. Don't automatically undercharge—many markets have room for premium providers.
Review your rates every 6-12 months. Raise them when you gain experience, add new skills, get consistent positive feedback, or when your costs increase. Existing clients can be grandfathered in or given advance notice of increases.
Be cautious with discounts. Instead, consider offering a "portfolio-building rate" for 2-3 clients in exchange for testimonials and case studies. Make it clear this is temporary. Avoid setting a precedent of being the "cheap option."
Not every client is your ideal client. If you're consistently hearing this, either you're targeting the wrong market or you need to better communicate your value. Focus on results and ROI, not just hours worked. Some clients will always choose the cheapest option—let them.
Now that you have your pricing strategy, check your true hourly rate or explore side hustles that match your income goals.
What you want to take home after taxes
Hours you can actually bill to clients
Account for vacation and holidays (typically 48-50)
Software, tools, marketing, insurance, etc.
Include federal, state, and self-employment tax (typically 25-35%)
Buffer for growth and reinvestment (typically 15-25%)