Part of the topic: 💶 Taxes & salary
Hourly rate calculator for freelancers
Enter what you want to earn before tax, your annual costs and how many days you can really bill. The calculator gives the minimum net hourly rate (plus VAT if applicable).
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🔒 Runs entirely in your browser – nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.
How to use it
- Enter your target profit before income tax and your annual costs.
- Add monthly insurance (health, care, pension).
- Enter realistic days and the billable share (often 50–75 %).
Last checked: October 2026 · Based on: Standard freelancer rate calculation; § 19 German VAT Act. Found a mistake? Use the form below – we fix confirmed errors and update the date.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours can a freelancer bill?
Often only 50–75 % of working time – acquisition, admin and accounting are not billable.
Does the hourly rate include VAT?
The result is net. If you are not a small business under § 19 UStG, add 19 % VAT on the invoice.
Why is the rate so much higher than an employee's wage?
You pay all insurance yourself, have no paid holidays or sick pay and must cover business costs and non-billable time.