Freelance hourly rate calculator
Find out how much to charge per hour from your monthly income goal and the hours you work.
This is the minimum to hit your goal. Add taxes, time off, tools and non-billable hours — in practice, charge above this.
How the calculation works
For freelancers, your hourly rate is the starting point of every quote. The estimate has two steps.
1) Monthly billable hours. A month averages 4.33 weeks:
monthly hours = hours/day × days/week × 4.33
2) Raw hourly rate.
hourly rate = income goal ÷ monthly hours
Step-by-step example
Goal of R$6,000/month, 6 h/day, 5 days/week:
- Monthly hours: 6 × 5 × 4.33 = ~130 hours
- Hourly rate: 6,000 ÷ 130 = R$46/hour
Why charge more than this
That number is the theoretical minimum. In practice, much of your time is non-billable: prospecting, quotes, emails, admin. And there are costs (tools, taxes). Add a 30–50% margin so you don't work at a loss.
Examples
- R$8,000/mo, 8 h/day, 5 days: 8×5×4.33 ≈ 173 h → R$46/h raw; with a 40% margin, ~R$64/h.
- Part-time (4 h/day, 5 days) for R$3,000: 4×5×4.33 ≈ 87 h → R$35/h raw.
Frequently asked questions
Why charge more than this?
Because part of your time goes to unpaid tasks (quotes, emails) and there are costs and taxes. A 30–50% margin is common.
Should I charge hourly or per project?
The hourly rate is the basis even when you quote per project: estimate the hours and multiply. Per-project pricing tends to pay more when you are fast and experienced.
How to compare with a salaried job?
A salaried job includes paid vacation, 13th, FGTS and part of social security. As a freelancer you fund it all — so your hour must be higher than "salary ÷ 220".
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Updated on June 30, 2026 · by Rafael Rossi · Methodology & sources