Why this matters for freelancers
Most people calculate their hourly rate by dividing their salary by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks). However, this is a mathematical illusion.
If you are a freelancer or contractor, you don't get paid for:
- Public holidays (Christmas, New Year's, etc.)
- Vacation time to prevent burnout
- Sick days and personal emergencies
- Administrative time (invoicing, searching for clients)
To maintain the same standard of living as a salaried employee, you must increase your hourly rate to cover these "non-billable" hours. This calculator helps you find that True Hourly Rate.