Legal · Free Interactive Tool
Retainer Burn-Down Calculator
How long a retainer lasts at your pace.
Your Numbers
The Result
The Operator's Read
The retainer covers about 3.6 months at this pace. Set replenishment triggers before it hits zero — chasing a depleted retainer is how firms end up writing off work.
Built by The Crimson Bench · Educational tool, not financial advice
About the Retainer Burn-Down Calculator
Enter the retainer, monthly hours, and rate to see monthly burn and how many months it covers.
How the Retainer Burn-Down Calculator Works
3 inputs in, 2 results out — computed live on your device. Here's exactly what it uses.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Retainer amount | $10,000 |
| Monthly hours | 8 |
| Hourly rate | $350 |
Worked Example
Using the example inputs above, the tool returns:
Monthly burn
$2,800
Months covered
3.6 mo
The Operator's Read
The retainer covers about 3.6 months at this pace. Set replenishment triggers before it hits zero — chasing a depleted retainer is how firms end up writing off work.
Assumptions & Limitations
- •This is a single-point calculator — it answers one question at a time. For a full time-based projection, use the matching Toolkit Pro simulator.
- •Defaults are illustrative. Replace them with your real numbers before relying on the result.
- •Educational tool only — not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Retainer Burn-Down Calculator calculate?
Enter the retainer, monthly hours, and rate to see monthly burn and how many months it covers. It takes 3 inputs — Retainer amount, Monthly hours, Hourly rate — and returns Monthly burn, Months covered.
How do I use the Retainer Burn-Down Calculator?
Enter your figures in the fields above and the result updates instantly. No signup, no limits, and nothing leaves your browser — the math runs on your device.
Is the Retainer Burn-Down Calculator free?
Yes, completely free. For the full time-based simulation — projection tables, scenarios, Excel/PDF export, and AI analysis — see the matching Toolkit Pro simulator.
Who built this tool?
The Crimson Bench's Ivy League-educated operators — the same people we deploy into C-suites. It uses the exact method they'd apply in an engagement.
Is this financial advice?
No. The Retainer Burn-Down Calculator is an educational tool for directional planning — not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.
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The Crimson Bench · Est. 2002 · Founded in New York City
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