An Editing Rate Calculator helps writers, editors, and content creators figure out the cost or rate of editing services. Whether the project is based on word count, hourly time, or involves complex video editing, this tool ensures fair pricing. It simplifies cost estimation by applying specific formulas to calculate how much editing will cost based on your inputs.
This calculator is useful for freelance editors, video editors, publishing agencies, or clients looking to budget their projects. It supports both basic and advanced editing pricing structures.
formula of Editing Rate Calculator
Editing Per Word Rate (EPWR)
Formula: EPWR = EC / W
EPWR: Editing Per Word Rate (in dollars per word)
EC: Total editing cost (in dollars)
W: Total number of words in the manuscript
This formula calculates how much you pay per word for editing. It’s useful for clients and editors dealing with documents or articles.
Editing Per Hour Rate (EPHR)
Formula: EPHR = EC / H
EPHR: Editing Per Hour Rate (in dollars per hour)
EC: Total editing cost (in dollars)
H: Total number of hours spent editing
This version works best when the editor charges by time. It helps determine what you’re paying per hour of editing work.
Total Editing Cost with Additional Services (TEC)
Formula: TEC = (W * R) + AF
TEC: Total Editing Cost (in dollars)
W: Total number of words
R: Editing rate per word (in dollars per word)
AF: Additional fees for extra services (e.g., formatting or fact-checking, in dollars)
This is for editors who offer bundled services. It provides a final cost including base editing and other optional tasks.
Video Editing Time-Based Cost (VETC)
Formula: VETC = (S * R_s) + (C * T_c * R_c)
VETC: Video Editing Total Cost (in dollars)
S: Source footage duration (in hours)
R_s: Editing rate per hour of source footage (in dollars per hour)
C: Number of cuts in the final video
T_c: Time per cut (in hours)
R_c: Editing rate per hour for implementing cuts (in dollars per hour)
This method helps video editors break down charges for complex editing involving footage processing and scene cutting.
Table of Common Editing Rate Terms
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| EC (Editing Cost) | Total money spent or charged for editing work |
| W (Word Count) | Number of words in the manuscript or document |
| H (Hours) | Total editing time in hours |
| R (Rate Per Word) | Charge per word for editing services |
| AF (Additional Fees) | Extra charges like formatting, research, etc. |
| S (Source Footage) | Total hours of raw video footage |
| R_s (Source Editing Rate) | Rate per hour to edit the footage |
| C (Cuts) | Number of cuts or segments edited |
| T_c (Time Per Cut) | Editing time required for each cut |
| R_c (Cut Rate) | Rate charged per hour to implement cuts |
Example of Editing Rate Calculator
Let’s say an editor is working on a document with 10,000 words, and they charge $0.03 per word. There is also a formatting fee of $50.
Using:
TEC = (W * R) + AF
TEC = (10,000 * 0.03) + 50
TEC = 300 + 50 = 350
The total editing cost is $350.
Now, if the client wants to know the hourly rate and editing took 10 hours:
EPHR = EC / H
EPHR = 350 / 10 = $35 per hour
Most Common FAQs
A: Editing rates can vary depending on the level of editing. Basic proofreading may cost $0.01–$0.03 per word, while developmental editing may go up to $0.10 per word or more.
A: Average editing speed ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 words per hour, depending on complexity. You can estimate total hours by dividing total word count by average editing speed.
A: Yes, video editing often includes rates for footage duration and complexity of cuts or transitions. That’s why it uses a separate formula to capture all cost aspects.