Free planning tool
Freelance retainer calculator
Price reserved monthly capacity without quietly giving away meetings, coordination, or project risk.
Suggested monthly retainer$2,52524 reserved hours · $7,525 per quarter
Labor floor $2,400Risk buffer $240
What the result includes
The calculator starts with delivery and administrative time, adds a buffer for uncertainty, then applies an optional discount for predictable recurring work. A discount is not required; use it only when the commitment genuinely lowers your sales effort or scheduling risk.
Before sending the price
- Define included deliverables and response times.
- State whether unused hours expire or roll over.
- Set an overage rate and approval process.
- Clarify the minimum term and cancellation notice.