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Day-rate calculator for tradespeople

Work back from the income you want and your yearly costs to the day rate and hourly rate you need to charge. It's free and runs in your browser.

How it works

Day rate = (target income + yearly business costs) ÷ billable days. Billable days = working weeks × days a week × the share of days you can actually charge for. This gives a floor, not a market rate, so compare it with what local firms charge and with how much demand you have.

Next: put the rate into the quote and VAT calculator, or cut unbilled admin time with invoicing apps and an AI receptionist.

Questions

What should the target income include?

What you want to pay yourself before tax, from the business. Tax and National Insurance come out of that, so set it high enough. Business costs go in the separate costs box.

Why count only billable days?

Travel, quoting, buying materials, paperwork, holidays, bank holidays and sick days all take time you can't charge for. The calculator spreads your income and costs over the days you can bill.

Should I add VAT to my day rate?

If you're VAT registered, quote your rate before VAT and add VAT on the invoice. The quote calculator does that part.