Retainer Calculator for 40 Hours/Month
Free retainer calculator for freelancers and agencies. Set your monthly hours, rate, and discount to find the right retainer price.
Retainer Details
Hours you'll dedicate each month
Reward for commitment (5–15% is common)
Retainer Pricing
Monthly Retainer Fee
$1,800
What to invoice each month
Effective Hourly Rate
$90/hr
After discount applied
Full-Price Value
$2,000
What this would cost hourly
Annual Contract Value
$21,600
Total if renewed for 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a freelance retainer?▾
A retainer is a monthly agreement where a client pays a fixed fee in advance for a set number of hours or deliverables. It provides predictable income for you and priority access for them.
How much discount should I give for a retainer?▾
5–15% is typical. The discount rewards the client for commitment and predictability, but shouldn't significantly cut into your profitability.
What should a retainer agreement include?▾
Monthly hours or deliverables, rollover policy, scope boundaries, payment terms (usually upfront), and a termination clause with notice period.