Rate calculator
Freelance rate calculator 2026
Want a target take-home? We invert each tax regime to find the annual gross, day rate and hourly rate you need, with editable assumptions for vacation, holidays and bench time.
What rate do I need?
Enter your desired net income, pick regimes to compare, and adjust the working-time assumptions below.
Enter a desired net income and add at least one regime to see the required rates.
How the reverse rate calculator works
Most freelancers search for a day or hourly rate first. This tool starts from the take-home pay you want and works backwards through the same 2026 tax models as our main calculator.
Billable days = (working days − vacation − holidays/sick) × (1 − bench buffer). Day rate = required gross ÷ billable days; hourly = day rate ÷ hours per day.
Assumptions are yours to edit. Figures are indicative, not tax advice. Confirm with a local adviser before you quote a client.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate my freelance day rate from take-home pay in 2026?
- Enter the monthly or annual net you want, pick a tax regime, and set your vacation, holidays, bench buffer and hours. The calculator inverts the 2026 tax model to the required gross, then divides by your billable days.
- What is a billable day in this freelance rate calculator?
- A billable day is a working day you expect to invoice after subtracting vacation, holidays/sick days and an idle buffer. Defaults (250 working days, 20 vacation, 10 holidays/sick, 10% buffer, 8 hours) are planning placeholders, not official calendars.
- Why is a target net unreachable for some regimes?
- Some regimes have a legal revenue ceiling (for example certain simplified tax paths). If your desired net would require gross above that limit, we show an explanation instead of silently capping the number.
- Is this freelance rate calculator tax advice for 2026?
- No. Results are indicative estimates from published rates and simplifying assumptions for the 2026 tax year. Confirm quotes and filings with a qualified local tax adviser.
Already know your gross income?
Use the main tax calculator to compare take-home pay across regimes from a known gross.
Open tax calculatorCompare freelancer tax rates across Europe
See net take-home and effective rates for every modelled regime at €30k, €60k and €100k.
Compare all 17 countriesThis is an indicative calculator for information only, not tax advice. It models the main freelancer regime(s) with the simplifications listed above and uses dated ECB/NBU exchange rates. Verify with a local accountant before making decisions.