Start with your income goal
Define the monthly amount you want your freelance work to produce for you.
Add business expenses
Software, equipment, subscriptions, travel, banking fees and other business costs still need to be funded.
Estimate realistic billable time
Not every working hour can be billed. Sales, admin, revisions and gaps between projects consume time too.
Add a sensible buffer
A contingency can help account for slower months, time off, reinvestment or unexpected costs. The right buffer depends on your circumstances.
Calculate a starting rate
Divide your monthly revenue target by realistic billable hours. This gives you a planning rate — not necessarily the final price the market will support.
Then check the market
Your experience, positioning, service, demand and client value still matter. Use the calculation as a floor or reference point, not an automatic quote.