Retainer Pricing Calculator
Monthly retainer that stays profitable.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Monthly retainer
- $4,140.00
- Effective hourly price
- $103.50
- Cost base
- $2,691.00
- Annual value
- $49,680.00
Quick answer
A retainer must price committed hours plus a buffer for the scope creep every retainer attracts.
Retainer = hours × rate × (1 + creep)
How to use the Retainer Pricing Calculator
- 1Enter the hours you commit each month.
- 2Enter blended delivery cost per hour.
- 3Add overhead, margin and a creep allowance.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Committed hours per month40
- Blended cost per hour45 $
- Overhead30 %
- Target margin35 %
- Scope creep allowance15 %
Results
- Monthly retainer$4,140.00
- Effective hourly price$103.50
- Cost base$2,691.00
- Annual value$49,680.00
Frequently asked questions
Should unused hours roll over?
Cap rollover at one month or the retainer becomes a liability.
Why price creep in?
Retainer clients ask for extras; pricing it beats resenting it.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.