Free tool · no signup
Freelance Project Rate Calculator
A free freelance project rate calculator that turns your hourly rate and estimated hours into a confident quote — with a buffer for scope creep and a healthy profit margin built in.
Price your next project with confidence.
Start from your hourly rate, add a buffer for scope creep, then a profit margin on top. The recommended quote updates as you type.
How it's worked out: base cost (rate × hours), then add your buffer % for scope creep, then your profit margin % on top — every step is shown in the quote.
what to put on the proposal
- Base cost (rate × hours)
- £2,000
- + Scope buffer (15%)
- +£300
- + Profit margin (20%)
- +£460
- = Final quote
- £2,760
Quoting regularly? My Rate Card templates build tiered packages and track real margins per project →
A planning estimate to help you price with confidence — adjust the buffer and margin to your own situation.
Project pricing FAQs
-
How much buffer should I add to a project quote?
- A 10–20% buffer is typical to cover scope creep, revisions and the odd surprise. Tight, well-defined projects need less; vague or open-ended briefs need more. The calculator defaults to 15% — adjust it to how clear the brief really is.
-
Should I quote a fixed price or charge by the hour?
- Fixed-price quotes give clients certainty and reward you for working efficiently. Build the figure from your hourly rate × estimated hours, then add a buffer and a profit margin — that's exactly what this calculator does.
-
What profit margin should a freelancer aim for?
- A 15–25% margin on top of your time and costs is a healthy target. It funds the things billable hours don't — tools, training, slow months and growth — rather than just covering the work itself.