Monthly support works best when everyone understands the hours being reserved and what happens when they run out. Check the maths before offering a discount for the commitment.
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Let’s work it out.
The starting figures are illustrations, not industry benchmarks. Replace them with your own costs and assumptions. Calculations happen in your browser; figures are not saved to your account or sent as analytics properties.
Changes the display label only. It does not convert amounts. Use a consistent basis for tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive figures.
Your planning estimate
- Monthly retainer fee
- AUD 1,000.00
- Effective hourly return before other costs
- AUD 45.45
- Total monthly time committed
- 22 hours
- Monthly commitment discount
- AUD 0.00
How this calculation works
Reserved client hours × agreed hourly rate × (1 − discount), plus any monthly fee, gives the retainer price. Divide by reserved client hours plus your unbilled account-admin hours to see the effective hourly return before other business costs.
A little more context: Agree expectations before starting.
How the calculation works
Reserved client hours × agreed hourly rate × (1 − discount), plus any monthly fee, gives the retainer price. Divide by reserved client hours plus your unbilled account-admin hours to see the effective hourly return before other business costs.
A worked example you can change
The tool starts with the illustrative figures below. They demonstrate the calculation; they are not industry averages, recommended rates or promises about what you will earn. All monetary figures in this example are AUD.
Reserved client hours per month: 20 Agreed hourly rate: 50 AUD Commitment discount: 0% Additional monthly fee: 0 AUD Unbilled account-admin hours: 2 Monthly retainer fee: 1,000 AUD Effective hourly return before other costs: 45.45 AUD Total monthly time committed: 22 hours Monthly commitment discount: 0 AUD
Make the estimate fit your virtual assistance work
The most useful estimate is one you can explain. Check these details against the actual job or business arrangement before you rely on the result.
- Agree whether unused hours expire, roll over or remain reserved. The calculator does not assume a rollover policy.
- Only apply a commitment discount if the arrangement actually improves your workload or certainty.
- Specify response times, included tasks and how additional hours will be approved.
What this tool does and does not include
The calculation uses the figures you enter and the method above. It does not fetch market rates, convert currencies, assess demand or calculate tax, payroll or legal obligations. Choose a consistent tax basis for the amounts you enter. Changing display currency changes the label only.
Your inputs stay in this browser page and reset when you leave or reload. You can copy or download a text estimate with its assumptions. If you choose to use Lufu, you can then prepare an actual quote or invoice with the details you have agreed.