Day Rate Builder

Work backwards from what you actually want to take home.

Most freelancers pick a day rate based on what the last client paid, what a peer charges, or what feels competitive. None of those account for the weeks you don't bill, the days you spend on admin, the tax you owe, or the expenses you absorb. This does.

Estimates only. Tax rules vary by country and structure — consult an accountant for your situation.

Enter your net income target and expected tax rate
Set your realistic work schedule and utilisation rate
Read the required day rate — then test your current rate in the reverse check

Inputs

Income & costs

Net income target (€/year) After tax, what you take home

Effective tax rate (%) Income tax + social contributions

Annual business expenses (€) Software, hardware, insurance, accountant, etc.

Work schedule

Weeks worked per year After holidays and sick leave

Working days per week

Billable utilisation (%) % of days actually billed; rest is admin, sales, gaps

Hours per day

Results

Required day rate

Half-day

Per hour

Billable days

Annual revenue needed

Where the revenue goes

Business expenses	-
Gross profit	-
Tax (-)	-
Net take-home	-

Verdict

What if I charge €X/day?

€ /day —