Work out exactly how much you'll owe a babysitter based on hours needed, number of children, and any late-night or holiday surcharge.
Babysitting rates usually start with a base hourly rate for one child, with a smaller additional rate tacked on per extra child to account for the added attention required, plus a possible surcharge for late nights, holidays, or short-notice bookings. This calculator adds all of that together into one total.
Effective Hourly Rate = Base Rate + (Extra per Additional Child × (Children − 1)). Total Cost = Effective Hourly Rate × Hours × (1 + Surcharge % ÷ 100).
For 2 children at an $18 base rate with a $2/hour additional-child rate, the effective rate is $20/hour. Over 4 hours with a 20% holiday surcharge, the total is $20 × 4 × 1.20 = $96.
Rates vary widely by region, the sitter's experience and certifications (like CPR training), and local cost of living. This calculator is a planning tool to estimate your total bill — always confirm the exact rate and any extra fees directly with your sitter beforehand.
It multiplies the hourly rate by the number of hours, and adds any flat fees (like extra pay for additional children or late-night hours) you include.
Rates vary widely by location, experience, and number/age of children — check local averages, but this calculator works with whatever rate you enter.
Only if you enter an adjusted rate for those hours; the base calculation assumes a flat hourly rate unless you specify otherwise.