Free Calculator

Work Out What to Charge for Your Design Work

Enter your costs, your income goal and the hours you can bill. See a day rate and a project minimum you can stand behind.

Free to use

For freelancers and studio owners

Next steps included

Free Tool: What Should You Charge for Your Design Work (2026)

Your Numbers

Use your own currency. Every result comes out in the same currency.

How much do you want to pay yourself each year, before tax?

Think of it as the salary your business pays you.

How much does your business cost to run each month?

Include software, equipment, insurance, workspace and any fees you pay.

What share of your income do you set aside for tax, in percent?

Use the rate your accountant gives you. If you do not know it yet, start with 30 and update it later.

How many weeks a year will you take off?

Count holidays, vacation and sick days.

How many days a week can you spend on paid client work?

Leave time for finding clients, admin and learning, because those days are unpaid.

Your Rates

Your results update as you type.

Your day rate

What one day of client work needs to earn to cover your costs, your tax and your pay.

Your project minimum

3 days of your day rate. Smaller jobs still need calls, revisions and admin, so this keeps short jobs from costing you money.

Your monthly target

How much client work you need to bill each month to reach your goal.

Get Your Numbers by Email

We will email your rates so you have them for your next proposal.

What is your first name?

What is your email?

Can we email you design tips and program news?

Yes, send me design tips and program news from Path Unbound.

How It Works

Set Your Rates in Three Steps

Enter Your Numbers

Add your monthly costs, your income goal and the time you can spend on client work.

See Your Rates

Get a day rate and a project minimum based on your own numbers.

Price Your Next Project

Use your rates on your next proposal, and learn to sell them in Design Business.

Your Result

See the Kind of Result You Get at the End

Every result comes with next steps, so you leave with a direction.

Your Day Rate

What one day of client work needs to earn to cover your costs and your income goal.

Your Project Minimum

The smallest project worth taking on, so short jobs do not cost you money.

Your Monthly Target

How much client work you need each month to reach your goal.

Why We Built This

Price Your Work from Your Own Numbers

Pricing Starts with Your Costs

Your rate has to cover your expenses, your taxes and the time you spend finding clients. The calculator counts all three.

A Clear Rate Makes Sales Calls Easier

When you know where your price comes from, you can explain it to a client with confidence.

Every Result Comes with Next Steps

You get your numbers and advice on how to use them on your next proposal.

FAQs

Get Answers About the Calculator

Is the Calculator Free?⁠

Yes, it is completely free to use.

Do I Need Exact Numbers?⁠

No. Start with your best estimates. You can run it again whenever your costs or your goals change.

Does It Work Outside the United States?⁠

Yes. Enter your numbers in your own currency.

Can I Talk to Your Team If I Need More Help?⁠

Yes. Book a free call with us any time, and we will help you figure out your next step.

Ready to Launch Your Dream Design Career Yesterday?⁠

Your dream design career won’t start itself, but we are here to make sure it happens for you. If not yesterday, very soon.