For me, it was more helpful to determine what my minimum rate should be rather than the maximum. My calculation is basically whatever the average equivalent fu

For me, it was more helpful to determine what my minimum rate should be rather than the maximum. My calculation is basically whatever the average equivalent full time employee in my area makes multiplied by two (and that should be any average dev’s minimum). At this rate I only have to put out an easy average effort, there is no need to over-deliver, though sometimes it just happens anyway and the client is unexpectedly delighted. And some clients think my average effort is over delivered. I find that charging more and forcing myself to overdeliver for every client adds to stress, and makes me less likely to take work. I don’t like quoting a super high rate because it comes with extra value-add promises. Also, quoting high means I probably only have energy for that one client, instead of maybe 3 average clients. I like having more sources of revenue as opposed to just one big one. Knowing my minimum rate makes it easy and straight forward to give my client an idea what I will cost on the spot, eliminating any drawn out negotiation or having to feel them out to see what their budget is, and barely any need for me to “prove” my worth. If they can’t accept my minimum, the conversation is over.