Understanding Retainer Burn
How we calculate. Burn % = fees applied ÷ retainer balance basis × 100. See our methodology and accuracy policy .
Real-world scenario: A typical Retainer Burn case uses fees used 7500 and retainer amount 10000. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.
What is Retainer Burn?
Matter cash-management KPI for evergreen or flat retainers. Remaining % is typically 100 − used %.
- Use the same currency
- Evergreen top-ups may reset the base—label the window
- Trust accounting rules apply
The Formula
Worked Example
Common Use Cases
- Matter monitoring: refill alerts
- Client updates: trust status
- Finance ops: WIP vs retainer
Pro Tips
- Follow trust accounting rules
- Separate costs vs fees if required
- Alert before 100%
| Scenario | When to use |
|---|---|
| Percent of a number | Finding a part of a whole (tax, tip, score) |
| Percent change | Comparing old vs new values |
Limitations: Retainer Burn results are educational practice-management aids only—not legal advice, fee advice, or a substitute for counsel, ethics rules, or engagement letters. Confirm definitions with your firm policies and applicable professional rules.
Common mistakes
- Swapping part and whole: The denominator must be the full total, not a subset.
- Rounding too early: Carry extra decimal places through multi-step work before rounding the final percent.
- Mixing percent and decimal forms: Enter rates in the format the calculator labels expect.
The worked example for retainer burn was verified with the calculator form on this page—enter the same values to confirm the result.
When to use this calculator
- Use this page when your wording matches retainer burn and the form labels on screen.
- Use percent of a number for “what is X% of Y?” problems.
- Use number is what percent when you know part and whole and need the percent.
Still unsure about retainer burn? Start with the quick answer above, then open the linked calculator that matches your wording.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use this retainer burn calculator?
For retainer burn, enter the values labeled on the form, then press Calculate. Compare the result to the worked example on this page.
What formula does this page use?
See the quick answer and formula box above for retainer burn—the same percentage calculator expression is applied to your inputs.
What if my result looks wrong?
When checking retainer burn, re-check part vs whole (or rate vs base), rounding, and whether percents were entered as 25 rather than 0.25 when the form expects percents.
Authoritative References
For professional conduct and practice management context, consult:
- American Bar Association — ethics and practice resources
- Law.com — legal industry reporting
- Clio Resources — practice management education