Proofreading & Copyediting Rate Calculator for 2026
Price freelance proofreading and copyediting projects by editing level, converting between per-word and effective hourly rates, then project monthly and annual income.
How Proofreading & Copyediting Freelance Rates Are Calculated
Your editing level sets a words-per-hour processing speed and a target hourly rate, which together determine project hours, a flat project price, and the equivalent per-word rate.
Words-per-hour speed and hourly rate defaults are based on the Editorial Freelancers Association's 2026 rate chart: proofreading is fastest (~3,000 words/hour) and lowest-priced, copyediting is moderate (~2,000 words/hour), and heavy/line editing is slowest (~1,500 words/hour) and highest-priced per hour. Adjust the hourly rate target to match your market, niche, and experience level.
How to Use the Proofreading & Copyediting Rate Calculator
Select your editing level
Choose proofreading, copyediting, or heavy/line editing — each loads a typical words-per-hour speed and hourly rate target you can adjust.
Enter the project word count
Input the total word count of the manuscript, document, or article you're quoting.
Set your hourly rate target
Confirm or adjust the rate you want to earn per hour for this editing level and your experience.
Enter projects per month
Estimate how many similarly sized projects you complete in a typical month.
Review your rate breakdown
See estimated hours, recommended flat project price, the equivalent per-word rate, and projected monthly and annual income.
Real-World Scenario Example
"A copyeditor processes a 60,000-word manuscript at 2,000 words/hour, targeting $43/hour, completing 3 similar projects per month."
Inputs
Result
About 30 estimated hours, a recommended project price of $1,290, an equivalent per-word rate of roughly $0.0215, and projected monthly income of $3,870 ($46,440 annually).
Important Disclaimer
Pricing figures are estimates based on industry-reported ranges and your inputs. Actual freelance proofreading and copyediting rates vary by market, subject-matter complexity, client type, turnaround time, and individual experience, and this calculator does not account for business expenses, taxes, or platform fees.
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