Retainer calculator
A retainer trades a discount for predictable income. This shows what to charge, and the effective hourly rate you're locking in once the discount applies.
Estimate only. Figures update as you type. Not tax advice — see the note at the bottom of this page.
What a retainer really trades
A retainer gives you predictable income and gives the client priority access. In exchange, you usually offer a discount off your standard rate. The question is whether the certainty is worth the discount, and that depends on how much you value a reliable monthly floor versus billing every hour at full price.
Watch the effective rate
A generous retainer discount can quietly drop your effective hourly rate below what you would accept for one-off work. The effective rate line above is the number to watch. Predictable income is valuable, but not at any price, and a retainer that pays well below your rate is just a discount with extra commitment.
Define what the hours cover
The most common retainer dispute is scope. Do unused hours roll over? What happens when the client needs more than the committed hours in a month? Spelling this out in writing is what separates a retainer that runs smoothly from one that becomes a source of friction every few weeks.
Common questions
What discount is normal for a retainer?
Often somewhere between 10 and 20 percent off the standard rate, reflecting the value of guaranteed income. The right figure depends on how much you value predictability.
Should unused retainer hours roll over?
That is a choice to make explicitly. Some freelancers allow limited rollover, others treat the retainer as use-it-or-lose-it. Either works if it is agreed in writing.
Is a retainer better than hourly?
It trades a discount for stability. If predictable income lets you turn down bad work and plan ahead, the discount can be worth it. If it locks you into an unprofitable rate, it isn't.