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//// Business · Freelance

Freelance Contract Value Calculator

Before you sign: gross value, effective hourly rate, payment timing discount, kill fee protection value, opportunity cost, and a go/no-go score with negotiation points.

Corp Tax Rate21%
SE Threshold$400
FICA Cap 2024$168,600

Contract Structure

Contract type

Risk Terms

Payment terms

Hours & Opportunity Cost

Walk Away

Contract score

Gross value
$5,000
3 months
Risk-adjusted value
$4,513
90.3% of gross
Effective hourly rate
$41.67/hr
$34.72/hr with revisions
Net vs. opportunity cost
$9,888
unfavorable

Cash Flow Timeline

Deposit (50%)

At signing

$2,500

Final payment (50%)

Month 4

$2,500

Risk Flags

  • Effective hourly rate (with revisions) is below 80% of your opportunity rate

  • No expense reimbursement — confirm any travel or software costs are in your fee

Suggested Negotiation Points

  • 1.

    Add an expense reimbursement clause for software, tools, or travel

  • 2.

    Rate needs to increase by $3,296/mo to beat your opportunity cost