It is handy when you are scoping a fixed-price project, deciding whether to negotiate a retainer, or working out how many hours of writing fit inside a content budget. Pair it with the Hourly Rate Calculator For Freelancers for a forward-looking rate card.
Calculator
Formula used
Billable amount = hours × rate · Effective rate = amount ÷ total hours
How to use the Billable Hours Calculator
- Enter the hourly rate you charge the client.
- Type the hours you have already worked.
- Add any reimbursable expenses (software, stock photos, travel).
- Optionally enter a project budget to see whether you are on track.
About this tool
The Billable Hours Calculator is built for speed and accuracy: every calculation runs in your browser, so your data never leaves your device and the result updates as you type. It works equally well on a phone, a tablet or a desktop, and it is free to use as many times as you like.
Common use cases
- Invoicing a project at the end of the month.
- Deciding whether to take a fixed-price gig.
- Tracking effective rate against a target.
- Settling a final invoice on a wrap-up week.
Tips for the best result
- Use the latest figures you have - even a small change in rate or term can shift the outcome by hundreds.
- For annual figures, divide by 12 to get a monthly number you can compare with the result.
- Bookmark this page and revisit the calculation as the inputs change.
Frequently asked questions
Should expenses be in the billable amount?
Yes. Pass-through expenses such as stock images, software licences bought for the client and travel are usually billed at cost with no markup. The calculator adds them to the subtotal.
What is an effective rate?
It is the average revenue per hour across all your work, including unbillable admin. The closer the effective rate to the billable rate, the more efficient the business.
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