Understanding Non-Billable Percentage
How we calculate. Non-billable % = 100 − utilization %, when definitions match. See our methodology and accuracy policy .
Real-world scenario: A typical Non-Billable Percentage case uses billable hours 1560 and available hours 2000. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.
What is Non-Billable Percentage?
The complement of utilization. Useful for BD, training, admin, and capacity conversations.
- Available hours per firm policy
- Billable ≤ available typically
- Pairs with utilization
The Formula
Worked Example
Common Use Cases
- Capacity planning: admin load
- BD time: investment share
- Training budgets: non-billable hours
Pro Tips
- Code non-billable categories
- Don’t hide write-offs here
- Compare to utilization targets
| Scenario | When to use |
|---|---|
| Percent of a number | Finding a part of a whole (tax, tip, score) |
| Percent change | Comparing old vs new values |
Limitations: Non-Billable Percentage 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.
Common mistakes
- Swapping part and whole: The denominator must be the full total, not a subset.
- Rounding too early: Carry extra decimal places through multi-step work before rounding the final percent.
- Mixing percent and decimal forms: Enter rates in the format the calculator labels expect.
When to use this calculator
- Use this page when your wording matches non billable percent and the form labels on screen.
- Use percent of a number for “what is X% of Y?” problems.
- Use number is what percent when you know part and whole and need the percent.
Still unsure about non billable percent? Start with the quick answer above, then open the linked calculator that matches your wording.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use this non billable percent calculator?
For non billable percent, enter the values labeled on the form, then press Calculate. Compare the result to the worked example on this page.
What formula does this page use?
See the quick answer and formula box above for non billable percent—the same percentage calculator expression is applied to your inputs.
What if my result looks wrong?
When checking non billable percent, re-check part vs whole (or rate vs base), rounding, and whether percents were entered as 25 rather than 0.25 when the form expects percents.
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