Hourly rate calculator for freelancers (2026)
Calculate online the minimum hourly rate you should charge as a freelancer — based on desired income, billable hours, costs and a buffer for holidays and sickness.
The hours criterion requires at least 1225 hours per calendar year on your business (all entrepreneurial hours, not just billable ones) — required for the self-employed deduction.
| Billable hours per year | 1380 |
| Required revenue per year | €43,625 |
| Profit before tax | €40,625 |
| Entrepreneur deduction | €3,323 |
| Income tax | €3,046 |
| Health insurance contribution (Zvw) | €1,579 |
| Net per year | €36,000 |
This calculator gives an indication based on Dutch tax rules for 2026 and is not tax advice. Not sure? Ask an accountant or use the Dutch tax authority's own calculators.
What should your hourly rate be as a freelancer? This free calculator works it out. Enter your desired net monthly income, expected billable hours per week, business costs and a buffer for holidays, sickness and empty weeks — and see the matching hourly rate instantly.
Many starters convert their salaried hourly wage one-to-one and end up structurally too low: as a freelancer you pay your own disability insurance, pension and non-billable hours. This tool makes those hidden costs visible.
The calculation accounts for the 2026 Dutch tax rules: the self-employed deduction, the starter's deduction, the SME profit exemption, box 1 income tax, and the health insurance contribution (Zvw) that the self-employed pay themselves.
What's inside?
- Converts your desired net income into the required hourly rate
- Accounts for the self-employed deduction, starter's deduction and SME profit exemption (2026)
- Configurable buffer for holidays, sickness and non-billable weeks
- Instant breakdown: revenue, profit, tax, Zvw contribution and net income
- Also shows your suggested price including 21% VAT
Frequently asked questions
Is this calculation exactly what I'll pay in tax?
No, this is an indication based on 2026 rates and the most common deductions. Your actual tax assessment depends on your full situation (other income, deductions, benefits). Use this tool as a realistic starting point, not a final calculation.
What is the hours criterion and why does the tool ask about it?
The hours criterion requires spending at least 1,225 hours per calendar year on your business. Only if you meet it can you apply the self-employed deduction — one of the largest deductions for freelancers. If you don't meet it, uncheck the box to see a more realistic rate.
Why is my hourly rate higher than my old gross hourly wage as an employee?
As a freelancer you pay your own pension, disability insurance (AOV), holiday days and non-billable hours (acquisition, admin). An employer doesn't count these costs in your hourly wage, but still pays them — as a freelancer you have to price them into your rate yourself.
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1,225-hour criterion tracker (2026)
Track whether you reach the 1,225 hours for the Dutch hours criterion — with progress counter, weekly forecast and categories for billable and non-billable hours.
Available from 28/07/2026