# Rate Card Calculator

> Turn a loaded hourly cost into a published rate, and see the margin after discount.

Page: https://freecalculator.tech/tools/rate-card-calculator
Last reviewed: 2026-09-16

## Formula

List rate = Loaded cost ÷ (1 − Margin) for a margin, or Loaded cost × (1 + Markup) for a markup; Published rate = rounded up to the chosen step; Discounted rate = Published rate × (1 − Discount)

- List rate = Loaded cost ÷ (1 − Margin) for a margin, or Loaded cost × (1 + Markup) for a markup; Published rate = rounded up to the chosen step; Discounted rate = Published rate × (1 − Discount).
- Inputs used: Currency, Loaded cost per hour, Pricing method, Margin or markup, Client discount, Round the published rate.
- Edge handling: Loaded cost per hour is required.; Loaded cost per hour cannot be negative.; Loaded cost per hour must be no more than 1000000000000.; Margin or markup is required.; Margin or markup cannot be negative..

## Inputs

- Currency
- Loaded cost per hour
- Pricing method
- Margin or markup
- Client discount
- Round the published rate

## Worked example: $85 loaded cost at a 40% margin

Shows the list rate, the discounted rate and the margin that survives the discount.
1. Start with Currency: USD, Loaded cost per hour: 85, Pricing method: margin, Margin or markup: 40, Client discount: 10, Round the published rate: 5.
2. Apply the method: List rate = Loaded cost ÷ (1 − Margin) for a margin, or Loaded cost × (1 + Markup) for a markup; Published rate = rounded up to the chosen step; Discounted rate = Published rate × (1 − Discount).
3. Shows the list rate, the discounted rate and the margin that survives the discount.

## Common questions

### Where does this formula come from?

OpenStax, Principles of Accounting Volume 2: Managerial Accounting — cost-plus pricing, margin and markup. See the source link on this page.

### What kind of calculation is this?

Cost-plus pricing with the chosen method, an explicit rounding step and an explicit discount. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real professional & industry decision.

### What are its limits?

Shows the rate the inputs imply; it does not say what the market will pay. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real professional & industry decision.

### How do I use the Rate Card Calculator?

Enter the required values for Currency, Loaded cost per hour, Pricing method, Margin or markup, Client discount, and the other fields shown. The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.

### What formula does the Rate Card Calculator use?

List rate = Loaded cost ÷ (1 − Margin) for a margin, or Loaded cost × (1 + Markup) for a markup; Published rate = rounded up to the chosen step; Discounted rate = Published rate × (1 − Discount) The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real professional & industry decision.

### Can the Rate Card Calculator be used for exact decisions?

Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.

## Limitations and assumptions

- Inputs outside the supported range are rejected rather than forced into a result.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this rate card calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.

## Sources

- OpenStax — https://openstax.org/books/principles-managerial-accounting/pages/1-introduction

## Cite this page

- APA: Free Calculator. (2026, September 16). Rate Card Calculator. https://freecalculator.tech/tools/rate-card-calculator
- MLA: "Rate Card Calculator." Free Calculator, 16 Sept. 2026, https://freecalculator.tech/tools/rate-card-calculator.
- Link: Rate Card Calculator — Free Calculator, https://freecalculator.tech/tools/rate-card-calculator