Free freelance pricing guide · ClearQuote Studio
How to Calculate a Freelance Project Deposit
Calculate upfront deposits, balances and installment amounts with transparent examples.
A deposit helps clarify what the client pays before work begins. The right percentage depends on your agreement, the type of project, customer relationship and local rules. The calculation itself is straightforward.
Deposit formula
Deposit = total agreed project price × (deposit percentage ÷ 100).
Example: 30% deposit on $900
$900 × 0.30 = $270 deposit. The balance due later is $900 − $270 = $630. The combined payments should total $900, not $1,170.
Common example amounts
| Project price | Deposit | Upfront amount | Remaining balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | 20% | $100 | $400 |
| $900 | 30% | $270 | $630 |
| $1,600 | 50% | $800 | $800 |
Write the terms clearly
Specify whether the deposit is refundable under your agreement and applicable law, when remaining amounts are due, how milestones are approved and whether expenses or taxes are included in the total.
Deposits are not the same as profit
Even if you collect $270 upfront, the project may involve labor, expenses, taxes and refunds or other obligations. Do not treat the entire deposit as net earnings.
Calculate your own project
The free ClearQuote pricing calculator includes deposit and balance calculations. The optional ClearQuote Studio download can format quote or invoice documents you print to PDF using your browser.
Educational material only; not accounting, tax or legal advice. Rates and figures are illustrative.