Better Than Google Sheets — Free Calculators That Show Their Work
This page is for people who have been trying to model self-employment pay or offer comparisons inside Google Sheets. The pain point is that the sheet becomes its own project: formulas spread across tabs, assumptions get buried, and the final answer is hard to explain when you revisit it a month later.
What makes Reise different
- Shows its math step by step so you can audit every number.
- Always free, with no account wall between you and the estimate.
- Built for 1099 contractors who need practical planning, not vague averages.
Featured calculator
W-2 vs 1099 Calculator
Same gross pay, wildly different take-home. See exactly how W-2 and 1099 offers compare after self-employment tax, FICA, and employer benefits — then get the break-even number that tells you exactly what to negotiate.
Simple comparison
| Feature | Reise | Google Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Shows its math | ✗ | |
| Always free | ✗ | |
| Built for contractors | ✗ |
FAQ
Why is Reise a better Google Sheets alternative for self-employment math?
Because the formulas are already built, documented, and visible. You get the flexibility of changing inputs without the maintenance burden of keeping your own sheet accurate over time.
Can Reise help with W-2 versus 1099 comparisons too?
Yes. That is one of the most useful places where people misuse Google Sheets. Reise has a dedicated W-2 versus 1099 calculator that handles contractor tax differences and shows the logic step by step.
Do I lose transparency by leaving Google Sheets?
No. Reise keeps the transparency and removes the spreadsheet maintenance. The math is still visible, but it is presented as a calculator instead of a manual workbook you have to debug yourself.