The Formula
Recommended retainer = (Hourly rate × Estimated hours) + Overhead buffer.
Why Add an Overhead Buffer?
- Meetings, context switching, tooling, and admin time happen every month
- Risk and urgency premiums should be explicit, not accidental
- You protect margin while keeping scope stable
Common Retainer Mistakes
- Pricing based on “what feels fair” instead of capacity
- No buffer, then monthly delivery becomes unprofitable
- No scope boundary (retainers are not unlimited)
Use the Calculator + Export PDF
Use the calculator to generate a PDF summary you can share internally or attach to your proposal.