How to review actual hours on a freelance project
Record actual project hours, separate extras and review the effective rate behind your quoted fee.
By Catalin Costache · Reviewed October 15, 2026Choose one recording method
Record each work session or add a daily total while the work is fresh. Include review meetings and revisions when they belong to the project. Keep categories simple enough that you will use them.
Separate estimated and actual hours
An estimate helps prepare a quote; recorded hours describe what happened. Keep both so you can investigate differences. ClientFilter provides time entries and a persistent timer for recording project work.
Track new requests separately
When the scope changes, record the proposed extra and approval status before treating it as agreed work. Time spent does not by itself mean a client approved an extra charge.
Review the fee in context
For a simple reference, a $600 fee divided by 15 recorded hours is $40 per hour before costs and taxes. If $60 of project costs apply, ($600 − $60) ÷ 15 is $36 per hour before tax. These are illustrative calculations, not earnings predictions or accounting advice.
Use the review for the next quote
Look for repeated revision work, unclear scope or missed tasks. Update future estimates using your own evidence. Keep quotes, received payments and outstanding amounts separate, and export a backup of your project records.
Try it on one real project
Explore the free ClientFilter demo with up to 3 project records. PRO is €39/year before applicable taxes; final total and renewal terms are shown at checkout.
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