Freelance Rate Increase Calculator

How this rate increase calculator works

Most freelancers under-charge because raising rates feels risky — "what if clients leave?" This tool reframes the decision. Instead of guessing, it shows you two things: the extra income if everyone stays, and the break-even point — the number of clients or hours you could lose at the higher rate and still earn exactly what you do now.

The math is simple: your current weekly income is current rate × billable hours. At your new rate, you reach that same income with fewer hours — specifically current income ÷ new rate. The difference is how much room you have to lose work and stay level. Everything above that is a raise.

A worked example

Say you charge $50/hour and bill 25 hours a week — that's $1,250/week. You raise to $65/hour. To earn the same $1,250 you now only need about 19.2 hours, so you could drop nearly 6 billable hours a week (roughly one 5-hour client) and lose nothing. If every client stays, you'd instead earn $1,625/week — a $375 (30%) raise. Either outcome is a win, which is exactly why raising rates is less risky than it feels.

When to raise your rate

• Your schedule is consistently full and you're turning work away.
• You've gained experience, results, or specialised skills since you last set your rate.
• You haven't raised rates in over a year (a 5–15% annual bump is normal).
• You want to work fewer hours without earning less — this tool shows how far you can go.

Frequently asked questions