Freelance rate-breakdown worksheet
The same rate maths as the freelance pricing calculator, kept in a file with the arithmetic printed beside every number. Put in your income target, billable hours, overhead, tax set-aside and margin, and the sheet shows the floor, the recommended hourly rate and the day rate, so you can show a client exactly where your price comes from.
On the Rate breakdown tab
| Output | What it is |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly | Break-even floor from revenue ÷ billable hours |
| Recommended hourly | Floor plus your margin: the number to quote |
| Day rate | Recommended × hours in a billable day |
| Notes tab | Why this rate, review date, exceptions |
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What's in the file
Three tabs · printable rate defence
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Tab 1
Start here How to import and what each output means before the next client call.Guide · setup
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Tab 2
Rate breakdown Cream inputs for income, hours, overhead, tax % and margin. Floor, recommended and day rate calculate.You type · the working
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Tab 3
Notes Why this rate, review date, exceptions for friends or non-profits.You write · the conversation
Same maths as the live freelance pricing calculator. Use the calculator for a quick answer and keep this sheet when you need the paper trail.
Worked sample (replace cream cells)
Income target $72,000 · 1,200 billable hours · $6,000 overhead · 25% tax · 20% margin · 7.5 h day
| Output | Approx result |
|---|---|
| Revenue needed | $104,000 |
| Floor (minimum hourly) | $87 |
| Recommended hourly | $105 |
| Day rate | $788 |
The live calculator does the same job. This version is on paper, for when a client asks how you got there.
Questions
Is this the same as the freelance calculator?
Same arithmetic, on paper. The calculator runs in your browser; this spreadsheet is the printable breakdown you keep when a client asks what you charge.
Google Sheets or Excel?
Both. Import the .xlsx into Google Sheets or open it in Excel.
Are the sample numbers a recommendation?
No. They are starters so the formulas show a result. Replace every cream cell with your income target, hours, overhead, tax % and margin.
Is this tax advice?
No. The tax % cell is a set-aside placeholder. What you owe depends on your country and deductions, so ask an accountant.
What paid file goes with this?
The Freelance rate card & boundaries pack ($29 planned): the same rate maths plus project prices for your own job types, your working rules and a one-page client rate card. Checkout isn't open yet; its page has a list for one email when it is.
Also useful
- Freelance pricing calculatorLive floor, recommended and day rate in the browser.
- Tax set-aside sheetPut cash aside for tax as you get paid.
- Project quote one-pagerScope and price on one page for the client.
- Billable hours capacityHours you can realistically sell after admin.
Updated