Retainer Pricing Calculator
Monthly retainer that stays profitable.
Enter your values
Enter the committed hours per month you are working with.
Enter the blended cost per hour in $.
Enter the overhead in %.
Enter the target margin in %.
Enter the scope creep allowance in %.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Monthly retainer
- $4,140.00
- Effective hourly price
- $103.50
- Cost base
- $2,691.00
- Annual value
- $49,680.00
Quick answer
A retainer must price committed hours plus a buffer for the scope creep every retainer attracts.
Retainer = hours × rate × (1 + creep)
At a glance
| What it does | Monthly retainer that stays profitable. |
|---|---|
| Category | Business |
| Inputs needed | Committed hours per month, Blended cost per hour, Overhead, Target margin, Scope creep allowance |
| Main output | Monthly retainer |
| Formula | Retainer = hours × rate × (1 + creep) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Retainer Pricing Calculator
- 1Enter the hours you commit each month.
- 2Enter blended delivery cost per hour.
- 3Add overhead, margin and a creep allowance.
Inputs explained
- Committed hours per month
- Enter the committed hours per month you are working with.
- Blended cost per hour($)
- Enter the blended cost per hour in $.
- Overhead(%)
- Enter the overhead in %.
- Target margin(%)
- Enter the target margin in %.
- Scope creep allowance(%)
- Enter the scope creep allowance in %.
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.
What do I need to enter into the Retainer Pricing Calculator?
Just 5 values: committed hours per month, blended cost per hour, overhead, target margin, scope creep allowance. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Retainer Pricing Calculator work out the answer?
A retainer must price committed hours plus a buffer for the scope creep every retainer attracts. It applies the formula Retainer = hours × rate × (1 + creep) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Retainer Pricing Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.