The Freelance Rate Formula I Wish I Knew Earlier (Free Calculator Included)

Most freelancers undercharge. Not because they're bad at business — but because they don't have a systematic way to calculate what they actually need to earn. Here's the problem: when you don't know your minimum viable rate, you either charge too low (and burn out working too much) or too high (and lose opportunities you should've won). The Basic Formula Your freelance rate should cover: Your target income — what you need to earn per year after taxes Business expenses — software, tools, insuranc