Calculator Inputs
Use this form to price hourly work, fixed projects, retainers, or mixed contracts. Keep unused fields at zero.
Example Data Table
| Project | Billing Mix | Hours | Base Value | Extras | Final Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landing Page Copy | Hourly | 18 | $1,260.00 | $140.00 | $1,512.00 |
| Brand Identity Refresh | Fixed | 30 | $2,400.00 | $300.00 | $2,862.00 |
| SEO Advisory Retainer | Retainer | 24 | $1,800.00 | $180.00 | $2,116.80 |
| Product Launch Support | Hybrid | 42 | $4,530.00 | $610.00 | $5,500.44 |
Formula Used
Base Contract Value = (Hourly Rate × Estimated Hours) + Fixed Fee + (Monthly Retainer × Retainer Months) + Milestone Total
Core Subtotal = Base Contract Value + Extra Revision Value + Reimbursable Expenses
Rush Fee = Core Subtotal × Rush Fee %
Contingency Buffer = Core Subtotal × Contingency %
Subtotal Before Discount = Core Subtotal + Rush Fee + Contingency Buffer
Discount Value = Subtotal Before Discount × Discount %
Tax Value = (Subtotal Before Discount − Discount Value) × Tax %
Client Contract Total = Subtotal Before Discount − Discount Value + Tax Value
Net Freelancer Revenue = Client Contract Total − Platform Fee
Deposit Amount = Client Contract Total × Deposit %
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter a contract name and choose the billing model that best fits your project.
- Add the hourly rate, time estimate, fixed fee, retainer, or milestone value you plan to charge.
- Include revision overages, reimbursable costs, rush fees, contingency, discounts, taxes, and platform deductions.
- Click Calculate Contract Value to show the result directly below the header and above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save the pricing summary for client proposals, planning, or internal reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates the full client-facing contract amount and your likely net revenue after discounts, taxes, reimbursable expenses, platform charges, and upfront deposits.
2. Can I use it for fixed-price projects?
Yes. Enter your fixed fee, keep unused hourly or retainer fields at zero, and the calculator will still produce a complete contract total.
3. What if my contract combines hourly and milestone billing?
Use the hybrid model idea. Add hourly charges, fixed elements, retainers, and milestone value together to reflect mixed freelance agreements accurately.
4. Why include a contingency buffer?
A contingency buffer protects your pricing from scope drift, minor client changes, timing risks, and underestimation without immediately changing your base rate.
5. Should reimbursable expenses be taxed?
Tax treatment depends on your location and contract terms. This calculator treats them as part of the billed amount, so confirm with your accountant.
6. What is the effective hourly rate?
It divides net freelancer revenue by estimated hours, helping you compare a project’s true earning power against your target rate.
7. How should I set the deposit percentage?
Many freelancers use 20% to 50%, depending on project size, trust level, lead time, and delivery risk. Larger projects often justify higher deposits.
8. Can I export the calculation results?
Yes. After calculating, use the CSV or PDF buttons to save a structured summary for proposals, negotiations, records, or project planning.