Formula or calculation method
Project price = (estimated hours × target hourly rate + direct costs) × (1 + contingency percentage).
Freelancer
Freelance Project Rate Calculator
Price freelance work using project hours, target hourly rate, direct costs, and a contingency allowance.
This is a pricing estimate, not tax, legal, or contract advice. Confirm scope, payment terms, taxes, and currency before sending a proposal.
How to use this tool
How to use the Freelance Project Rate Calculator
Estimate all delivery hours, choose a sustainable target rate, add direct project expenses, and include a contingency for uncertainty.
- Estimate research, meetings, production, revisions, and handoff time.
- Enter your target hourly rate and direct project costs.
- Add a contingency percentage and calculate the project price.
What the result means
The result is a pricing baseline. It does not automatically include sales time, late-payment risk, taxes, or value-based pricing adjustments.
Worked example
60 hours at $95 plus $500 direct costs equals $6,200. A 15% contingency produces a $7,130 project price.
Common mistakes
Underestimating meetings, revisions, project management, feedback delays, software, contractors, and non-billable communication can make a project unprofitable.
When to use it
Use it for fixed-price proposals, scope changes, minimum project pricing, and comparing project work with hourly engagements.
Common questions
Freelance Project Rate Calculator FAQ
How should freelancers price a project?
Start with realistic hours and a sustainable rate, add direct costs, and include a contingency for uncertainty or revision risk.
What should project hours include?
Include discovery, meetings, research, production, revisions, project management, communication, quality checks, and handoff.
How much contingency should I add?
Use a percentage that reflects scope clarity and risk. A well-defined repeat project may need less than a new or uncertain engagement.
Use this in a real workflow
See the playbook →Want the complete AI small-business system?
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