Project & Retainer Pricing Estimator

Turn your hourly rate into a clear project quote or monthly retainer. Add tasks, contingency and expenses, then copy a ready-made summary for your proposal.

  • Free to use
  • No sign-up needed
  • Works on phone and desktop

Private by design: everything happens in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent to our server.

Tasks or project stages

Extra time for revisions and surprises. 10–20% is typical.

Quote summary

How to price a project or retainer

  1. Enter your hourly rate and whether to add VAT.
  2. For a project, list each task or stage with your estimated hours, then set contingency, expenses and deposit.
  3. For a retainer, set the hours per month, any commitment discount, the minimum term and your overtime rate.
  4. Copy the summary into your proposal or email.

Quoting tips

  • Always add contingency. Most projects take longer than planned.
  • Take a deposit before you start. 25–50% is common for new clients.
  • Define the scope and the number of revisions in writing.
  • For retainers, agree what happens to unused hours and how extra work is charged.

Frequently asked questions

Should I show clients my hourly breakdown?

It’s up to you. Many freelancers show stages and a fixed price rather than hours, which keeps the focus on outcomes.

What is a good retainer discount?

A small discount, often 5–15%, rewards a client for committing to a minimum term and gives you predictable income.

Does this create a contract?

No. Use the summary in your proposal, and put the agreed terms in a written contract.

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