Freelance Invoice Generator

1. 1

   Set your rate

   Calculate the hourly rate needed to reach your income target from the numbers you enter.

   Calculate your rate →

2. 2

   Quote the job

   Show the proposed work and price before you start. A quote is not a contract.

   Create a quote →

3. 3

   Track your work

   Record the work performed and time spent so you have the hours when you invoice.

   Create a timesheet →

4. 4

   Invoice the client

   Bill hourly work, a project fee, milestones, or approved expenses on a freelance invoice.

   Create an invoice →

5. 5

   Set the due date

   Turn due on receipt, Net 15, Net 30, or another term into a calendar date.

   Calculate a due date →

The result is based on the assumptions you enter. It is not a market rate, an average freelance rate, or a recommendation of what to charge.

Calculate Your Freelance Rate

A quote proposes a price. It does not create a contract. See Estimate vs. Quote if you need the difference between those two documents.

Create a Quote

Create a Timesheet

Create a Freelance Invoice

Hours worked × Hourly rate = Amount billed

15 hours × $120/hour = $1,800

1. 1

   Calculate your rate

   Use your income target, expenses, and billable hours to get an hourly rate.

   Open the rate calculator →

2. 2

   Track your hours

   Record dates, descriptions, and hours on a timesheet.

   Open the timesheet →

3. 3

   Create your invoice

   Enter those hours and the agreed rate as invoice line items.

   Create an invoice →

Calculate an Invoice Due Date

Calculate a Late Payment Fee

Calculate an Early Payment Discount

• Your name or business name
• Client information
• Invoice number
• Invoice date
• Due date
• Description of work
• Hours and rate for hourly work
• Fixed fees where applicable
• Approved expenses
• Applicable taxes
• Discounts where applicable
• Total due
• Payment terms
• Notes

1. Add your name or business information.
2. Add the client's information.
3. Give the invoice a number and date.
4. Describe the freelance work being billed.
5. Add hours, rates, project fees, or expenses.
6. Add applicable taxes or discounts.
7. Set the payment due date.
8. Review the total and create the invoice.

Create a Freelance Invoice

Worker classification depends on the actual working relationship and applicable law, not simply what appears on an invoice.

Freelance invoice vs. timesheet

A timesheet records the time spent working. An invoice requests payment for the work. For hourly freelancers: Timesheet → Invoice.

Freelance invoice vs. quote

A quote shows the proposed price before the work begins. An invoice requests payment for work being billed. Create a quote in the Quote Generator or read Quote vs. Invoice.

Freelance invoice vs. receipt

An invoice requests payment. A receipt records that payment was received. After you are paid, use the Receipt Generator or see Invoice vs. Receipt.

How do I create an invoice as a freelancer?

Add your name or business information, the client, an invoice number and date, a description of the work, the amounts, and when payment is due. Then create the invoice in the Invoice Generator.

What should I put on a freelance invoice?

A freelance invoice commonly includes your name or business name, the client, an invoice number, the invoice date, the due date, a description of the work, amounts, payment terms, and the total due. Requirements can vary.

How do I invoice freelance work by the hour?

Multiply the hours worked by the agreed hourly rate and list that as a line item. A timesheet can record the dates, descriptions, and hours before you create the invoice.

Can I invoice a fixed project fee?

Yes. List the agreed project and fee on the invoice. You do not have to itemize hours when the client is billed a fixed amount.

Can a freelancer request a deposit?

Freelancers and clients may agree to a deposit or milestone payments before or during the work. Create a separate invoice for the amount that is due.

How long should I give a client to pay a freelance invoice?

That depends on the agreement. Examples include due on receipt, Net 15, Net 30, or a specific due date. Use the Invoice Due Date Calculator to turn a term into a date.