Freelance rate calculator (South Africa)

Work backwards from the take-home pay you want to the hourly and day rate you need to charge in rand.

Take-home pay you want (per month)Business expenses (per month)Software, data, equipment, accountant.Tax buffer (%)Planning estimate — your effective rate may differ.Billable hours per weekMost freelancers bill 20–30, not 40.Weeks off per yearLeave, public holidays, sick days, December. Show VAT-inclusive rates

Minimum hourly rate

R 534

Day rate (8 hours)

R 4 271

Monthly turnover needed

R 51 167

Working: (R35 000 ÷ 0.75 + R4 500) × 12 ÷ (46 weeks × 25 h) = R534/h. This is your floor — price above it for value and demand.

How to use it

1.Enter the monthly take-home pay you want.
2.Add your business costs and the tax you expect to set aside.
3.Set realistic billable hours — not every hour is billable.
4.See the hourly and day rate you need to charge.

Questions

How many billable hours should I assume?: Many freelancers bill 50–70% of working hours once admin, sales and leave are counted.
Should my rate include VAT?: Quote excluding VAT and add it on top only if you are VAT registered.

In the Starter Kit

Pricing chapter and the ZAR income & expense tracker

Get the kit · R349

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