Understanding Blended Hourly Rate
How we calculate. Blended $/hr = fees ÷ hours. The form uses the same arithmetic as the worked examples on this page. See our methodology and accuracy policy.
Real-world scenario: A typical Blended Hourly Rate case uses total fees 96000 and total hours 240. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.
What is Blended Hourly Rate?
Useful for AFAs, staffing mix reviews, and comparing partner-heavy vs associate-levered matters.
- Same fee and hour scope
- Gross or realized fees—label which
- Not the same as effective rate if hours exclude non-billable
The Formula
Worked Example
Common Use Cases
- Matter pricing: staff mix checks
- AFA design: target blend
- Client reports: average rate
Pro Tips
- Exclude pure admin if policy says so
- Compare to rack rates
- Segment by phase
Limitations: Blended Hourly Rate results are educational practice-management aids only—not legal advice, fee advice, or a substitute for counsel, ethics rules, or engagement letters. Confirm definitions with your firm policies and applicable professional rules.
FAQ
Blended vs effective hourly?
Both divide fees by hours; wording differs by whether hours are worked, billed, or collected-basis. Match your KPI definition.
What if hours are 0?
Blended rate is undefined—enter positive hours.
Authoritative References
For practice-management concepts and professional rules, consult:
- American Bar Association — ethics and practice resources
- Law Practice Today — practice management articles
- NABE — legal administrators community