Hourly rate calculator for freelancers

How much do you need to charge per hour so that your desired net income is left after tax, social contributions, costs and savings? Or the other way round: what is left of your current rate? You enter the rates that apply in your country – the calculator does the rest.

What do you want to know? Which hourly rate do I need for my desired net income? What is left of my hourly rate?

Goal Currency

Desired net income per monthWhat you want to live on – after tax, social contributions and pension savings.

Costs and insurance Business expenses per monthSoftware, phone, insurance, office, vehicle share, training, accountant. Fixed health insurance per monthOnly fixed premiums (e.g. private insurance). Income-based contributions go into the rate below. Pension savings per month Risk buffer (%)For slow months, unpaid invoices and the unexpected (in % of profit).

Taxes and social contributions Social contributions (%)In % of profit, as charged in your country.

Social contributions reduce taxable income

Income tax (average rate) (%)Average rate on taxable profit – your accountant or tax office can tell you. Tax-free allowance per year VAT / sales tax added to the rate (%)0 if you are exempt or not registered.

Working time Working days per week Hours per working day Days of holiday Public holidays on working days Sick days Training, trade fairs (days) Share that is billable (%)The rest goes into sales, quotes, admin and idle time. 50–75 % is common.

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Your minimum hourly rate

€59.22

excl. VATDay rate €474

Hours someone actually pays for

214 working days · 1,712 hours of work · 1,113 billable (about 24 per working week)

billable	hours/year	rate needed

Where your revenue goes (per year)

Fixed price for a project

Estimated hours Safety margin (%)

Suggested fixed price: –

Simplified estimate with the rates you entered. Not tax advice. Formula

Next step

Selling products as well? Work out prices with purchase cost, shipping and fees – offline in your browser.
Pricing workbook by Margenblick Our own offer (currently in German)

Why this calculator is different

Backwards from net income: it finds the profit at which exactly your desired net income is left – instead of guessing.
Your country, your rates: enter social contributions, income tax and VAT as they apply to you. No German formulas in this version.
Three utilisation levels at once: see immediately what happens if fewer hours are paid.
Private: no sign-up, no cookies, no ads. Nothing leaves your browser.

Guides

Frequently asked questions

Why is my rate so much higher than my old hourly wage?

As an employee, your employer pays part of your social contributions, your holidays, sick days and workplace. Self-employed, you carry all of it – and only part of your working time is paid.

Where do I find my tax and contribution rates?

Ask an accountant or your tax office, or look at last year’s tax assessment. Use an average rate, not the top marginal rate.

Is the result before or after VAT?

The large figure is your rate before VAT. If you enter a VAT rate, the calculator also shows the price including VAT.

Are my inputs stored?

Only if you tick “Remember my inputs” – then in your browser on your device. Nothing is sent.