---
title: "Late fee calculator for invoices and payment terms"
description: "Free late fee calculator for invoices. See what an overdue invoice has earned and copy a fair late-fee clause for your payment terms."
canonical: "https://www.meadowdesk.com/tools/late-fee-calculator"
last_modified: "2026-10-27"
---

# Late fee calculator

Source: https://www.meadowdesk.com/tools/late-fee-calculator

Free late fee calculator for invoices. See what an overdue invoice has earned and copy a fair late-fee clause for your payment terms.

See what an overdue invoice has earned in late fees, and copy a fair, clear clause for your payment terms.

## How to use it

1. Enter the invoice amount and how many days it’s overdue.
2. Set your late-fee rate, and whether it’s charged per month, per year or per day.
3. Copy the terms clause into your contract and onto every invoice.

## Late fee calculator FAQ

**Can I charge a late fee on an invoice?**
Yes, if your client agreed to it before the work began. Put it in your contract and on every invoice. Some states cap late fees, so check yours before you choose a rate.

**What’s a fair late fee?**
1–1.5% a month on the overdue balance is common; some freelancers prefer a small flat fee. Keep it modest. The point is prompt payment, not punishment.

**When should a late fee start?**
From the day after the due date in your terms. A short grace period, say seven days, keeps things friendly.

**Should I warn the client before I add it?**
Yes. A short, kind reminder that mentions the fee usually gets the invoice paid before you need to charge it.

**Is a late fee the same as interest?**
Not quite. Interest grows with time, like the per-month rate here. A flat fee is one fixed charge, say $25, added once the invoice is overdue. Whichever you choose, name it in your payment terms before the work begins.