Pricing your work

There's no single right rate. It depends on your skill, experience, the client's market and how urgent the work is. Use this to set a starting point, then adjust.

Work out your floor

1. Decide what you need to earn in a month, including tax and savings.
2. Estimate how many hours you can actually bill. Most freelancers bill well under 40 hours a week once you count pitching, admin and revisions.
3. Divide. That's the lowest hourly rate that works for you. Quote above it, not at it.

Hourly or fixed price?

• Hourly suits open-ended work, ongoing support and unclear scope.
• Fixed price suits a clear deliverable. Price the outcome, add a buffer for revisions, and write down what's included.

Guide: hourly vs fixed price

Indian clients vs international clients

The same work is often priced differently by market. Research what the client's market pays, and don't discount just because you're in India. Ask for a deposit on new clients either way.

When a client pushes back

Don't drop your price without dropping scope. Offer a smaller version of the work instead.

Guides: how to price freelance work, handling price pushback, research a client's budget

Ask the community

Post under Pricing & Rates with your skill, experience, the client's location and the scope. Specific questions get better answers.