Freelance · Free Interactive Tool
True Effective Hourly Rate
Your rate after the unbillable hours.
Your Numbers
The Result
The Operator's Read
Counting admin, you really earn about $111/hour. Systematizing the unbilled work (proposals, onboarding, invoicing) raises this without touching your rate.
Built by The Crimson Bench · Educational tool, not financial advice
About the True Effective Hourly Rate
Enter a project fee, billable hours, and admin hours to see what you truly earn per hour worked.
How the True Effective Hourly Rate Works
3 inputs in, 1 results out — computed live on your device. Here's exactly what it uses.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Project fee | $5,000 |
| Billable hours | 30 |
| Admin / unbilled hours | 15 |
Worked Example
Using the example inputs above, the tool returns:
True hourly rate
$111.11
The Operator's Read
Counting admin, you really earn about $111/hour. Systematizing the unbilled work (proposals, onboarding, invoicing) raises this without touching your rate.
Assumptions & Limitations
- •This is a single-point calculator — it answers one question at a time. For a full time-based projection, use the matching Toolkit Pro simulator.
- •Defaults are illustrative. Replace them with your real numbers before relying on the result.
- •Educational tool only — not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the True Effective Hourly Rate calculate?
Enter a project fee, billable hours, and admin hours to see what you truly earn per hour worked. It takes 3 inputs — Project fee, Billable hours, Admin / unbilled hours — and returns True hourly rate.
How do I use the True Effective Hourly Rate?
Enter your figures in the fields above and the result updates instantly. No signup, no limits, and nothing leaves your browser — the math runs on your device.
Is the True Effective Hourly Rate free?
Yes, completely free. For the full time-based simulation — projection tables, scenarios, Excel/PDF export, and AI analysis — see the matching Toolkit Pro simulator.
Who built this tool?
The Crimson Bench's Ivy League-educated operators — the same people we deploy into C-suites. It uses the exact method they'd apply in an engagement.
Is this financial advice?
No. The True Effective Hourly Rate is an educational tool for directional planning — not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.
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The Crimson Bench · Est. 2002 · Founded in New York City
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