MTD-ready spreadsheet
Freelance Day-Rate & Profit Calculator
Most rate calculators ask what you charge. This one asks what you want to keep.
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Enter your target take-home, your costs, pension, holiday and realistic billable days. It returns the day rate and hourly rate that actually gets you there — after tax, NI and the weeks you won't be working.
- Works backwards from take-home pay to the required rate
- Accounts for holiday, sick days and non-billable time honestly
- Includes pension contributions and business costs
- Shows the tax and NI you'll owe, and what to set aside
- Works in Excel, Google Sheets and Numbers
Made by Fableworks HQ. Designed and built by us using spreadsheet tools with AI assistance, and every calculation is human-checked and unit-tested.
Secure checkout by Paddle · instant download · VAT handled for you · 14-day money-back guarantee
A look inside — worked backwards from take-home
| What you want | Figure |
|---|---|
| Take-home you want | £46,000 |
| Business costs + pension | £6,000 |
| Realistic billable days / year | 200 |
| Tax & NI to cover | £13,900 |
| Day rate you need | £330 |
| Equivalent hourly (7.5h) | £44 |
Illustrative example. Most calculators ask what you charge; this one starts from what you want to keep and works back.
Questions before you buy
What exactly do I get, and how?
One spreadsheet file, downloaded the instant your payment clears (Paddle also emails you a secure link). It opens in Excel, Google Sheets and Numbers. No account, no subscription and nothing to install.
How is this different from a free rate calculator?
Free calculators start from a rate and tell you the annual figure. This one starts from the take-home you actually want and works backwards through tax, National Insurance, pension, holiday and the days you won't be billing — so the rate it gives you is one that genuinely gets you there.
Can I edit it, or is it locked?
Nothing is locked or password-protected. Every formula is visible and editable — change the billable days, add costs, adjust the pension. It's yours to keep.
Is this tax advice?
No. It's an estimate and planning tool, not tax or financial advice. Always confirm your own position with GOV.UK or your accountant.
What if it's not right for me?
There's a 14-day money-back guarantee. If it isn't useful, email us within 14 days for a full refund.
Secure checkout by Paddle · instant download · VAT handled for you · 14-day money-back guarantee