Profitability becomes easier to explain when direct delivery cost and allocated overhead are both visible in the same view.

Net profit: $2,100.00
Gross profit: $2,700.00
Net margin: 46.67%

Revenue
$4,500.00
Direct costs
$1,800.00
Allocated overhead
$600.00

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Retainers

Retainer Profitability Calculator

Use this when a retainer feels busy and stable but you need to check whether it still clears enough profit.

This calculator helps freelancers and agencies see whether a retainer is healthy once the recurring delivery effort and overhead are assigned to it.

How to use this page

Start with your best current estimate, adjust the inputs until the result feels realistic, and use the related tools below when you want to pressure-test price, profit, or payout from another angle.

Estimate gross profit, net profit, and margin from revenue, direct costs, and allocated overhead.

Use the calculator with the examples below to test ideas quickly and come back to the same setup later.

Worked examples

Start from a realistic scenario

Each example opens the same calculator with shareable URL state.

Monthly support retainer

A stable monthly contract with direct delivery cost and a real overhead share.

$1,300.00net profit

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FAQ

Quick answers

Short answers for the questions that usually come up first.

When should I use the retainer profitability calculator?

This calculator helps freelancers and agencies see whether a retainer is healthy once the recurring delivery effort and overhead are assigned to it.

Is this meant for exact accounting, tax filing, or bookkeeping?

No. It is a planning calculator built around your inputs so you can sanity-check pricing, profit, or cash decisions quickly.