Freelance day rate calculator
Work backwards from what you want to take home. We add tax, your business costs and the days you can't bill for, and show the day rate and hourly rate you need.
- Free, no sign-up
- 2026 to 2027 tax year
- Nothing you type leaves your browser
Charge at least
£297 a day
Or £43 an hour. You'll need £39,125 coming in over the year to take home £30,000.
- Paid work132 days
- Finding work, admin, gaps88 days
- Holidays, bank holidays, ill40 days
This is your floor, not your price. Look at what clients pay for similar work and charge for the difference you make.
How to set your pricesHow we work it out
It's an estimate, not tax advice. If the numbers are close, check with an accountant.
First we work out the profit you need before tax to take home your target, using 2026 to 2027 Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance. Then we add your yearly business costs to get the turnover you need.
A year has about 260 working days. We take off your holidays, 8 bank holidays and days for illness and training, then keep only the share you'll actually bill for. The rest goes on finding work, admin and gaps between projects.
Turnover divided by billable days is your minimum day rate. Charge more where the value to your client is higher. Everything stays in your browser.
Questions people ask
Something we haven't covered? Ask us.
How many days a year can a freelancer bill?
Far fewer than you'd think. After holidays, bank holidays, illness and the time spent finding work and doing admin, many freelancers bill 50% to 70% of their working days.
Should I charge by the day or by the hour?
Day rates suit work that fills a day and stop you being paid less for working faster. Hourly suits small, unpredictable jobs. For well-defined work, a fixed project price is often best for you and the client.
Do I need to add VAT?
Only if you're VAT registered. You must register once your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in a rolling 12 months, and then add VAT to your prices.
Read this next
Free guides that explain the numbers in more detail.
- How to price your services as a freelancer or small business6 minute readWork out the minimum rate you can charge, choose between day rates, hourly and project pricing, check the market and raise your prices with confidence.
- Self-employed tax explained: what you pay and when (UK)7 minute readHow self-employed tax works in the UK: profit vs income, allowable expenses, Income Tax and National Insurance rates, payments on account and key dates.
- How to get your first customers for a new small business6 minute readPractical ways to win your first paying customers in the UK, from people you already know and direct messages to referrals, reviews and following up.
Other free tools
- Quit your job calculatorYour monthly number, savings target and the profit your business needs before you leave.
- Side hustle tax calculatorThe tax and National Insurance your side income adds on top of your job, for 2026/27.
- Business readiness quizEight quick questions, then one thing to do today and a plan for your next seven days.
Got the numbers? Now make the plan.
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