Time Value Calculator

Calculate what your time is really worth. Compare outsourcing vs DIY to make smarter business decisions.

$

Your target or actual annual income

Total hours worked including admin

52 minus vacation and sick weeks

How long this task would take you

$

What a freelancer/VA would charge

Your Time Value

What each hour of your time is worth

$41.67/hr

Per Minute

$0.69

Per Day (8hr)

$333.33

Doing It Yourself

$208.33

βœ… Outsource This Task

Outsourcing at $100.00 saves you $108.33 compared to doing it yourself (5hrs Γ— $41.67/hr).

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Your Time Has a Price

Every hour spent on a low-value task is an hour not spent earning your full rate. This calculator helps you make data-driven decisions about what to do yourself versus what to delegate or automate.

The Outsourcing Decision Framework

Compare the outsourcing cost to your hourly rate. If a task takes you 5 hours at $100/hr effective rate (=$500 of your time) and you can outsource it for $200, you save $300 and gain 5 hours for billable work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate what my time is worth?
Divide your annual income by the total hours you work (including non-billable time). This gives your effective hourly rate. Any task you can outsource for less than this rate is worth delegating.
When should I outsource?
Outsource when the cost is less than your effective hourly rate AND the task isn't core to your expertise. For example, if you earn $100/hr as a developer, paying a bookkeeper $40/hr is a smart trade.
What tasks should freelancers outsource first?
Start with high-time, low-skill tasks: bookkeeping, social media scheduling, email management, data entry, and basic admin. These free up hours for high-value billable work.

Recommended Tools

FreshBooks

Invoicing and accounting software built for freelancers. #1 rated for ease of use.

Try FreshBooks Free for 30 Days β†’

QuickBooks Self-Employed

Track income, expenses, and mileage. Maximize tax deductions automatically.

Get 50% Off QuickBooks β†’

Xero

Beautiful accounting software for small businesses and freelancers.

Start Xero Free Trial β†’

Wave

100% free invoicing and accounting. Perfect for solo freelancers.

Get Wave Free β†’

Bonsai

Contracts, proposals, invoices, and accounting β€” all-in-one freelance suite.

Try Bonsai Free β†’

Gusto

Payroll and benefits for freelancers who hire contractors or employees.

Get 3 Months Free β†’

We may earn a commission if you sign up through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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