Everything you need to use RateFloor — from first calculation to understanding the numbers.
Go to the RateFloor calculator. You'll see four inputs: annual expenses, desired salary, billable hours per week, and weeks off per year. All fields are pre-filled with examples — change them to your own numbers.
The result updates in real time as you type. There is no "Calculate" button — the rate appears as soon as the fields have valid values.
The large number in gold is your minimum hourly rate — the floor. Below it, the breakdown shows your total annual need (expenses + salary) and your billable hours per year. The formula is simple arithmetic:
Rate = (Expenses + Salary) / (Hours/week × (52 − Weeks off))
If you want to save scenarios, compare them side by side, or export to CSV, open the App page. Everything stays in your browser's local storage — clearing your cache will remove saved data, and nothing is sent to any server.
Nowhere. RateFloor runs entirely in your browser. The numbers you type are processed locally and never transmitted. There is no server, no database, no analytics script, and no tracker. This is not a privacy promise — it is an architectural fact. The page is static HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with no backend.
Saved scenarios are stored in your browser's localStorage — a feature that keeps small amounts of data on your device. This data can be lost if you:
If you have important scenarios, export them to CSV from the App page and keep the file somewhere safe. There is no cloud backup because nothing is ever sent to a server.
No. RateFloor calculates a minimum rate that covers your entered expenses and desired salary. It does not account for:
The result is a floor — the number below which you are losing money on paper. Your actual rate should be higher, and you should consult a financial professional for your specific situation.
A billable hour is an hour you can invoice a client for. It is not the same as an hour you spend at your desk. In a 40-hour work week, most freelancers bill 20–30 hours — the rest goes to administration, marketing, proposals, meetings that run long, email, and context-switching between projects.
If you are new to freelancing, be conservative with this number. It is better to discover you have slack than to discover you are underwater.
The calculator requires a positive annual need (expenses + salary > 0) and at least 1 billable hour per year (hours/week > 0 and weeks off < 52). Try these checks:
If the fields look correct and the result still won't show, try a hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R / Cmd+Shift+R) or open the page in a private/incognito window to rule out a browser extension conflict.
The Pro ($9/mo) and Enterprise ($29/mo) plans on the Pricing page are currently mockups. The checkout form is a demonstration — no payment is processed and no subscription is created. The calculator and the App (with saved scenarios, comparison, and CSV export) are fully functional and free right now.
The "Coming soon" badges on the pricing page indicate features that are not yet built. When subscriptions become available, this help page will be updated with instructions.
Yes. The calculator and App are responsive and work in mobile browsers. Saved scenarios in the App are stored per device — scenarios you save on your phone will not appear on your laptop, and vice versa.
RateFloor is honest about what it is and what it isn't. Here is what is not built, mocked, or available yet:
localStorage on your device only. If you clear your cache, they are gone. Export to CSV as a backup.RateFloor has no in-app chat, no phone line, and no live support widget. If you need help, here is how to reach us:
RateFloor is a small tool, not a large company. We aim to respond quickly, but there is no 24/7 support. If you have a feature request or found a bug, please email — it genuinely helps.