Construction retainage calculator

Calculate retainage without withholding it twice.

Use the free calculator to estimate retainage held to date, the current-period adjustment, and net earned value. Then save the full multi-period calculation inside a BuildDue pay application.

Total completed and stored$100,000.00
Retainage held to date$10,000.00
Retainage change this period$10,000.00
Net earned after retainage$90,000.00

Planning calculator only. Contract terms, applicable law, and the recipient’s billing requirements control the actual amount.

Multi-period math

Current retainage is not always the cumulative retainage total

A progress billing application usually shows completed work cumulatively. If the software subtracts the full cumulative retainage from only the current period’s work, the contractor can be underbilled. BuildDue records prior completed work and prior retainage separately so the current request reflects the period’s actual retainage change.

Retainage terms vary by contract, project type, and jurisdiction. The calculator is a planning tool, not legal or accounting advice.

Track it inside the project

BuildDue calculates retainage per schedule line, carries the actual prior retained amount forward, and shows the total held across each application.

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Questions

Retainage calculator FAQ

How is construction retainage calculated?

A common calculation multiplies eligible completed work and stored materials by the contractual retainage percentage. The contract and applicable law determine the actual calculation.

Why enter previously withheld retainage?

Multi-period billing needs the prior retained amount to calculate only the change for the current period rather than withholding the entire cumulative retainage again.

Can retainage be reduced later?

Some contracts allow retainage reduction or release at defined milestones. Enter the actual prior retained amount and current rate so the current adjustment reflects the approved change.