Free tool
What does the platform leave you?
Gross is not take-home. Enter the commission and fees once and compare the effective hourly rate.
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From gross to take-home
The calculator starts with rate times hours, subtracts the platform commission, payment processing and any withholding tax, then subtracts direct expenses such as software or subcontractors. The result is the cash the gig produces and the effective hourly rate after every listed cost.
Withholding is modelled as a percentage of gross. If your platform withholds on a different base, adjust the percentage until the deduction matches your statement.
The effective rate is the number to quote against
A 60 per hour gig with a 20% commission and payment fees is not a 60 per hour job. The effective rate is what you should compare with a salaried role or a direct client offer, because it reflects what the work actually pays for an hour of your time.
Expenses are subtracted after tax withholding here, which is conservative: deductible expenses usually reduce taxable income. Use the output as a cash view, not a tax calculation.
Deciding whether a platform is worth it
Run the same rate and hours with the platform commission set to zero to see the platform's cost in cash. Then judge that cost against the work the platform brings: discovery, payment protection and dispute handling. A 20% fee on a gig you would not otherwise have is often cheaper than a 0% fee on an empty calendar.
For long engagements, compare the platform fee with the effort of moving the client to a direct contract, including the risk of losing the relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Which commission rate should I use?
The rate on your current contract, not a headline rate. Many platforms tier fees by lifetime billing or client relationship; enter the effective rate you were charged.
Does it include income tax?
No. Only withholding at source is modelled. Income tax depends on your residence and total income; this is a cash-flow estimate.
Why is the effective rate lower than the hourly rate?
Commission, processing, withholding and expenses all come out of the same gross. Dividing the remaining cash by the hours worked gives the true hourly return.
Can I use it for a fixed-price project?
Yes. Enter the total fee as rate and 1 as hours, then use the net output. For the effective hourly rate, enter your actual estimated hours instead of 1.