Writing Rate Calculator

Calculate the right rate for any writing project — per word, per hour, or flat fee — based on your real time investment.

Project details

Content type

Niche / industry

Specialist niches command higher rates

Word count

Revisions included

Desired hourly rate ($)

What you want to earn per hour of your total time (writing + research + revisions)

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Enter your project details to calculate your per-word, per-hour, and flat rate options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set my freelance writing rate?

Work backward from income: target salary + costs + taxes ÷ realistic billable hours (about 50–60% of working time after pitching and admin). $70k take-home usually requires $60–85/hour effective.

Per word, per hour, or per project?

Clients prefer predictable per-project pricing; you should calculate it from per-word or hourly math internally. Per-hour visibly punishes you for being fast — most experienced writers quote projects.

How do I raise rates on existing clients?

Announce with 30–60 days notice, 10–20% at a time, framed around demand and results. Raise new-client rates first; your oldest, lowest-paying client should not set your ceiling.