Freelance hourly rate calculator
Enter how much you want to take home each month, your expenses, your autónomo contribution and the hours you can really bill. You will see what to charge per hour and what you need to invoice each month.
Sample data
- Monthly invoicing needed
- €3,100.00
- Billable hours per month
- 95.83 h
- Estimated tax per month
- €500.00
- Rate for an 8-hour day
- €258.78
How it was calculated
- Monthly invoicing = €2,000.00 ÷ (1 − 20%) + €300.00 + €300.00 = €3,100.00
- Hours per month = 25 h × 46 weeks ÷ 12 = 95.83 h
- Hourly rate = €3,100.00 ÷ 95.83 h = €32.35
Tax is an estimate you enter; VAT is not included.
Indicative result: it does not replace an advisor's advice.
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See Invoicing Create a free accountHow do I calculate what to charge per hour as a freelancer?
Start from what you want to take home each month and add what you need to invoice to cover tax, expenses and your autónomo contribution; then divide by the hours you can really bill. With €2,000 net, €300 of expenses, a €300 contribution, 20% tax and 25 billable hours a week for 46 weeks, you need to invoice €3,100 a month and charge €32.35 an hour.
Why are not all hours billable?
Part of your time goes on finding clients, quotes, admin and training. Counting only the hours you really bill keeps you from undercharging: 25 billable hours a week is often more realistic than 40.
Is VAT included in the hourly rate?
No. The hourly rate here is excluding VAT; when you invoice you add the VAT that applies (normally 21%) and, if relevant, subtract IRPF withholding.
From rate to invoice
Once you have your rate, FlexiFlow lets you issue unlimited invoices for free with VAT and withholding calculated.
Worked example: a freelance designer
She wants to take home €2,000 a month. Expenses: €300; autónomo contribution: €300; estimated tax: 20%. Invoicing needed: 2,000 ÷ 0.80 + 300 + 300 = €3,100.00. Billable hours: 25 × 46 ÷ 12 = 95.83 a month. Hourly rate: 3,100 ÷ 95.83 = €32.35.
How to use this tool
- Enter what you want to earn after tax, your expenses and your contribution.
- Add your estimated tax and billable hours.
- Read your hourly rate and the monthly invoicing needed.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a freelancer charge per hour?
It depends on what you want to earn, your expenses, your contribution, taxes and the hours you can bill. This calculator works it out with your numbers.
What tax percentage should I enter?
It is your own estimate on your profit (for example your average income-tax rate). The calculator sets no percentage; confirm yours with your advisor.
How many billable hours should I count?
Only those you charge clients for. Subtract admin, sales and training time.
Does the result include VAT?
No: it is the price excluding VAT.
Keep reading
- How to read a Spanish invoice
- IRPF withholding on invoices in Spain
- Spanish VAT calculator
- VAT and IRPF withholding calculator for invoices
- Free invoice generator
- Profit margin and markup calculator
- All free tools
Reviewed on 6 November 2026. Indicative result: it does not replace an advisor's advice.
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