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Freelance Retainer Calculator

A retainer is a fixed monthly fee for a reserved set of hours. Freelancers usually give a small discount in exchange for that guaranteed volume. Start from your standard hourly rate, calculate what the hours are worth without a retainer, apply the discount, and see the monthly fee, the effective hourly rate and the yearly value.

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1How it is calculated

  1. Calculator A (Standard hourly rate): your normal rate without a retainer, for example €85.
  2. Calculator B (Dedicated hours per month): the hours you reserve for the client, for example 20.
  3. Calculator C (Standard value): A × B = €1,700 — what the hours cost without a retainer.
  4. Calculator D (Retainer discount): the discount for guaranteed volume, for example 10%.
  5. Calculator E (Monthly retainer fee): C − (C × D%) = €1,530 — the fixed monthly invoice.
  6. Calculator F (Effective hourly rate): E ÷ B = €76.50 — what the client pays per hour.
  7. Calculator G (Annual retainer value): E × 12 = €18,360 — what this client brings per year.

2Use it with your own numbers

Open the template and every calculator is already set up, named and linked. Change any input and all connected results recalculate instantly. Add extra calculators to extend the calculation, or share the finished workspace with one short link.

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