A rate that covers
all of it isn’t greedy.
It’s just accurate.
ChargeWhat is a free rate calculator built for US and UK freelancers — it works backwards from what you actually need to take home.
Most calculators tell you what you’d earn at a given rate. This one tells you the minimum rate you need — after self-employment tax, state income tax, health insurance, and expenses.
freelancers forget
accounted for
current HMRC & IRS rules
ChargeWhat — US
Freelance rate calculator · 2026
What should you quote for this project?
Your hourly rate from above is used automatically.
Estimates based on 2026 federal tax rates. SE tax: 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit. Federal income tax rate used: 22%. State income tax applied at the flat rate selected. Does not account for deductions, credits, filing status, or additional Medicare tax above $200k. Not tax advice — consult a CPA for your specific situation. Based in the UK? Try our UK calculator.
What is self-employment tax and why does it matter?
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of your net profit — it covers both the employer and employee halves of Social Security and Medicare. As a freelancer you pay both sides yourself. This is on top of federal and state income tax, which is why your required rate is almost always higher than you’d expect.
Why does this calculator use 92.35% instead of 100%?
The IRS lets you deduct half of SE tax before calculating it, which effectively reduces the taxable base to 92.35% of net profit. This is baked into the calculator — it’s not an error, it’s the correct treatment per IRS rules.
What’s the difference between minimum rate and recommended rate?
The minimum rate is the floor — what you need to charge to hit your take-home target with no buffer. The recommended rate includes the profit buffer you set, which covers slow months, unpaid admin time, and unexpected expenses. Most freelancers should be quoting at or above the recommended rate.
Does this account for quarterly estimated tax payments?
The calculator shows your annual SE tax and income tax liability so you know what to expect. As a freelancer you’re required to pay estimated taxes quarterly — typically around 25–30% of each invoice set aside covers most situations, but your CPA can give you an exact figure based on your deductions and filing status.
Should I include health insurance in my rate?
Yes — unlike employees, freelancers pay their full health insurance premium out of pocket. The calculator has a dedicated health insurance field for this reason. The average individual marketplace premium in 2026 is around $450–$600 per month before any ACA subsidies, which adds meaningfully to your required rate.
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