Dutch Freelance Collective

Retainer Calculator

Calculate retainer pricing and compare billing models

Retainer Calculator

Calculate retainer pricing, compare billing models, and determine optimal retainer structures for your Dutch freelance business.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Use at your own risk. Dutch Freelance Collective accepts no liability for decisions based on these calculations. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or accountant.

Calculate Retainer from Hourly Rate
Calculate Hours from Retainer Amount
Calculate Overage Rate
Compare Retainer vs Ad-Hoc Billing
ℹ️ Understanding Retainers

What is a retainer?

A retainer is a recurring payment arrangement where clients pay a fixed monthly fee for a predetermined amount of work or availability.

Benefits of retainers

  • Predictable income: Guaranteed monthly revenue
  • Client commitment: Long-term relationship building
  • Work-life balance: Better capacity planning
  • Cash flow: Advance payment structure

Common retainer structures in NL

  • 10 hours/month: Light support (€750-€1,200)
  • 20 hours/month: Regular engagement (€1,400-€2,400)
  • 40 hours/month: Dedicated resource (€2,600-€4,800)

Overage work

Work beyond retainer hours is typically billed at 125-150% of the included hour rate to compensate for less predictable work and priority scheduling.

🚀 Unlock Advanced Features

Upgrade for professional retainer tools:

  • Multi-Tier Builder: Create multiple retainer packages
  • Commitment Discounts: Calculate long-term pricing
  • Revenue Forecasting: Project annual income
  • Utilization Tracking: Monitor hour usage

Join the collective.

For full, unrestricted access, apply for membership to the Dutch Freelance Collective. Learn more