Freelance Day Rate Calculator
What should I charge as a freelancer? Work out your day rate, hourly rate, and monthly target in seconds.
How to Work Out Your Freelance Day Rate
Setting your day rate as a freelancer is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Charge too little and you risk burnout and financial stress. Charge too much and you may struggle to win clients. This calculator helps you find the sweet spot by working backwards from the income you actually want.
What Should I Charge as a Freelancer in the UK?
The "what should I charge as a freelancer?" question is one of the most common for new self-employed professionals. The answer depends on your industry, experience level, location, and the type of work you do. However, there is a simple formula that works across all sectors: start with your desired income, add a buffer for tax and non-chargeable time, then divide by your available working days.
For example, if you want to earn £50,000 after tax, work 260 days per year, take 28 holiday days and 5 sick days, and set aside 30% for tax, your day rate would be approximately £314. This ensures you hit your target while covering all your costs and downtime.
Key Factors That Affect Your Freelance Rate
Non-Chargeable Days
Unlike a salaried job, freelancers do not get paid for holidays, sick days, or public holidays. You must account for these in your rate. Most UK freelancers work around 220–230 chargeable days per year after subtracting weekends, bank holidays, annual leave, and a buffer for illness.
Tax and National Insurance
As a freelancer in the UK, you are responsible for paying your own Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions (Class 2 and Class 4). Your day rate needs to be high enough to cover these costs. The typical effective tax rate for a freelancer earning £50,000–£100,000 is between 20% and 40%, depending on your total taxable income.
Business Expenses
Remember to factor in business expenses such as software subscriptions, equipment, insurance, pension contributions, and professional development. These should be included in the revenue you need to generate.
Freelance Day Rates by Industry (UK 2024)
While rates vary significantly, here are rough benchmarks for common freelance roles in the UK:
- Software Developer / Engineer: £400–£700 per day
- Graphic / UX Designer: £250–£500 per day
- Copywriter / Content Writer: £200–£400 per day
- Marketing Consultant: £300–£600 per day
- Virtual Assistant: £100–£250 per day
- Photographer / Videographer: £250–£500 per day
Hourly vs Day Rate — Which Is Better?
Day rates are common in project-based work where the scope is clear. Hourly rates work better for ongoing retainer work or when the scope may change. Many freelancers offer both and let the client choose. Our calculator provides both so you can compare.
How LoveInvoice Helps Freelancers Get Paid
Once you have set your rate, you need to invoice your clients professionally. LoveInvoice is a free invoicing app designed specifically for freelancers and small businesses. Create branded invoices in seconds, track payments, and get paid faster — all without spending a penny on software.