How do I know what to charge as a freelancer or solo founder?
Answer: Start with a floor price: add up what you need each month, divide by the hours you can honestly sell, then check peers. Do not copy someone else’s rate card first.
What is a pricing floor rate?
Answer: Your floor rate is monthly costs (including a tax buffer) divided by sellable hours. Jobs below that need a shorter scope or a higher price.
How can I calculate freelance pricing online?
Answer: Use Solo Plot’s free Pricing & Profit calculator to see margin after costs once you have a draft rate.
More detail: set your floor in four steps
1. Monthly need — Bills, software, tax buffer. Round up. That is your target before profit.
2. Honest sellable hours — Drop admin, sales, and breaks. Only count hours you can actually bill.
3. Floor rate — Need ÷ sellable hours = minimum.
Example: £3,000 need ÷ 20 hours → £150/hour floor. A £400 project must take well under three hours.
4. Check the market — Look at three peers for a range. Stay at or above your floor.