Digital Agency Client Retainer Calculator
Scope a monthly recurring retainer from hours required, blended team rates, and desired profit margin. See quote price and profit breakdown instantly.
Inputs
Results
How this calculator works
- Enter monthly delivery hours and blended cost rate.
- Add account management hours and overhead percent.
- Set your target profit margin.
- Get a monthly retainer quote and margin breakdown.
Why this matters
Scope a monthly recurring retainer from hours required, blended team rates, and desired profit margin. See quote price and profit breakdown instantly.
Frequently asked questions
How should agencies price retainers?
Estimate delivery hours, multiply by loaded team cost, then apply target margin. Add buffers for revisions and account management.
What profit margin should a retainer target?
Many agencies aim for 30–50%+ gross margin on services after delivery cost, depending on positioning.
Should account management hours be billed?
Either bill them explicitly or fold them into the retainer. Leaving them out silently erodes margin.
Hourly vs retainer: which is better?
Retainers smooth cash flow and reward efficiency. Use hourly internals to make sure the retainer never underprices delivery.