Most freelancers bill about half
Of 260 weekdays, take away 25 days of holiday, 10 public holidays and 5 sick days and 220 are left. Then part of every week goes to finding clients, writing proposals, email, invoicing and learning. Billing 50 to 70% of your working time is normal; 80% is a very good year.
The rate has to cover the hours nobody pays for, so a lower billable share means a higher rate.
Questions
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?
Add up what you want to keep in a year, the tax on it, and your business costs. Add a buffer for slow months. Divide by the hours a client actually pays for: working days × hours a day × the share you can bill.
How many hours can a freelancer bill?
Most bill 50 to 70% of their working time, because finding work, admin and invoicing take the rest. After holidays and sick days that's usually 1,000 to 1,300 hours a year.
How do I work out a day rate?
Your hourly rate × the hours in your working day. Worth shows both. Contractors often round the day rate up to a clean number.
Should I charge hourly or per project?
Hourly when the scope is unclear, per project when it's clear. Price a project from the same rate: hours you expect × your rate, plus a margin for revisions.
What is a break-even rate?
The rate that covers your take-home, tax and costs with nothing left for slow months. Quote above it; Worth's buffer is the gap.