Raise your rates: how much work can you lose?

A higher rate means you can bill fewer hours for the same income. This shows the exact trade.

The rule

If you raise a rate from 800 to 1,000, you earn the same money from 80% of the hours (800 divided by 1,000). That means you can lose up to 20% of your work and be no worse off, and you gain the time back. Many freelancers fear that any client lost is a disaster; the sum says otherwise.

When to raise

You are booked for weeks ahead, or you turn down work.
Your costs have gone up, or your skills are better than a year ago.
A client says yes to your price at once, which often means it was low.
It has been a year since the last change.

How to do it

Raise for new clients first, to test the market.
Give existing clients notice, usually 30 to 60 days, and a date.
Do not apologise and do not explain your costs; state the change and keep the tone friendly.
Be ready to lose a few clients who only chose you for price.

Common questions

How much should I raise my rate?

Many freelancers raise by 10 to 20 percent for existing clients and more for new ones. If you are fully booked, a bigger rise is reasonable. The calculator shows how many hours you can lose and still be no worse off.

How do I tell existing clients?

Write early, name the date, say the new rate and thank them for their work. Offer to keep the old rate for work already agreed. A short, firm message works best.

Keep going

Example figures on this site are made up to show the working. They are not market rates or averages. Tax, social-insurance, sales-tax and holiday rules differ by country and change, so this site does not state them: ask the tax authority of your country or an accountant. Checked 14 November 2026.