What this calculator does
Use this calculator when you are moving from hourly thinking to a monthly retainer. It adds overhead, buffer, and target margin so the retainer covers more than delivery time alone.
Freelance Rates
Retainer Pricing Calculator
Convert monthly hours, baseline rates, overhead, and margin targets into a retainer price that is easier to defend.
Base monthly work value$2,750.00
Subtotal before buffer$3,200.00
Suggested monthly retainer$4,705.88
Effective hourly rate$188.24
Formula used
Base work value = hours per month x hourly baseline. Subtotal = base work value + monthly overhead. Suggested retainer = subtotal / (1 - buffer - margin). Effective hourly rate = suggested retainer / hours per month.
Worked examples
- A 25-hour monthly scope at a $110 baseline rate is not the same as a $2,750 retainer once overhead, buffer, and margin targets are added.
- Retainers usually need more structure than hours multiplied by rate, because they also absorb availability, communication, and planning overhead.
Notes
- Retainers often bundle availability, strategy, and communication overhead that basic hourly math underprices.
- This calculator is a planning tool for pricing, not a substitute for contract scoping or utilization forecasting.
- If scope fluctuates heavily month to month, pair the retainer with clear out-of-scope rules.