Retainer Burn Down
Calculator
Results
- Hours covered by the retainer
- 33.333333
- Months of retainer remaining
- 5.555555
- Weeks of retainer remaining
- 24.074074
- Hours billed per month
- 6
Legal and admin results
| Hours covered by the retainer | 33.333333 |
| Months of retainer remaining | 5.555555 |
| Weeks of retainer remaining | 24.074074 |
| Hours billed per month | 6 |
formula-map diagram
- Hours covered by the retainer
- 33.333333
- Months of retainer remaining
- 5.555555
- Weeks of retainer remaining
- 24.074074
- Hours billed per month
- 6
Legal and admin relationship
Formula
Months = retainer ÷ monthly burn ; hours = retainer ÷ hourly rate= 33.333333333333
Note
This is NOT legal advice and NOT a statement of any law. It is generic arithmetic: it applies the displayed formula to the figures you entered, and every rate, fraction, factor, cap and threshold shown is a value YOU supply, not a statutory or court-approved figure. No jurisdiction's rule is built in. Real entitlements, fees, interest, support amounts and deadlines depend entirely on the jurisdiction, the wording of the contract, the day-count and rounding conventions the court applies, and the facts of the case. Use these figures only as a rough arithmetic check and consult a qualified lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction before relying on any number.
More in Legal and admin
See all →Frequently asked questions
How does the retainer burn-down calculation work?+
The calculator subtracts hours billed (converted to a dollar value at the hourly rate) from the retainer balance each period, showing how many months remain before the retainer is exhausted at the current usage rate.
What happens when the retainer runs out before the engagement ends?+
This depends on your agreement — some retainers require replenishment (a 'evergreen' retainer topped back up to the original amount), while others simply move to standard hourly billing once the balance hits zero. Check your engagement letter for which model applies.
Does the burn-down rate assume constant monthly usage?+
Yes, the basic calculation projects forward assuming the average usage rate you enter stays constant; if your actual usage varies significantly month to month, the estimated depletion date will be less accurate the further out you project.
Should unbilled work in progress be included in the burn-down?+
Yes, for an accurate picture you should include all hours worked against the retainer, whether or not they've been formally invoiced yet, since the retainer balance is reduced by work performed, not by invoice timing.
What does it mean if the burn-down shows a negative remaining balance?+
A negative balance means more has been billed against the retainer than was funded, meaning the client owes the excess amount separately or the retainer needs immediate replenishment, depending on your agreement's terms.