Work out the day rate you actually need to charge to take home what you want.
For sole traders and small firms pricing their time. Covers vehicle costs, tools, insurance, tax, super, sickness cover and the days you're not working.
Sound familiar?
- “You're flat out all year and still wondering where the money went.”
- “You picked your day rate by matching what the next bloke charges.”
- “Quotes feel like guesswork and you're scared to put the number up.”
What this tool does
Takes your desired take-home, fixed costs, tax position and realistic working days per year, and calculates the minimum day rate that leaves you with that take-home after everything. Shows the gap between your current rate and what you actually need.
What do you want to take home?
What you actually want in your pocket after everything. Not turnover. Not gross. The number that hits your bank account.
After tax, super and all business costs.
Why this matters
Most tradies set their day rate by looking at what everyone else charges and picking a number. That's how you end up working 50 weeks a year and still not knowing where the money went.
This tool works backwards from what you actually want to earn, adds your real costs, accounts for holidays, sick days and tax, and tells you the minimum you need to charge per day to make it work.
It takes 2 minutes. It might change what you quote tomorrow.
Take it with you — the free pricing workbook
Prefer a spreadsheet you can keep and run the business from? Download the free SiteKiln Trade Pricing Calculator (Excel): your rates, a job quote builder, a day-rate builder, a unit price list and a job log — Australian GST and mileage figures built in. No email, no catch.
Download the workbook (Excel)What the law actually says
- •There's no minimum charge-out rate in law — but underpricing below your true cost is the fastest way to work hard and go backwards.
- •Remember GST: once you're over the $75,000 turnover threshold you add 10% on top of these figures, and your clients claim it back if they're registered.
- •Estimate only, not financial advice — confirm with a registered tax agent.