Construction Retainage Calculator: How Much Is Being Withheld?
Estimate the retainage held back from your pay applications and the total withheld at completion. Know what you're owed before you sign the next draw.
Reviewing the contract itself? See our construction contract review to surface retainage, payment, and lien clauses.
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How to use this retainage calculator
- Enter your total contract amount (the full value of your scope of work).
- Set the retainage rate from your contract (often 5–10%).
- Move the percent-complete slider to match your current pay application.
- Read the retainage withheld to date, net payable now, and total held back at completion.
For the most reliable estimate, use the retainage rate and release terms written into your specific contract and schedule of values.
Retainage red-flag checklist
- Rate & cap: Is the retainage rate within your state's legal cap (especially on public work)?
- Step-down: Does retainage drop (e.g., 10% to 5%) at ~50% completion or substantial completion?
- Release timing: When is retainage released—at substantial completion or only at final?
- Lien waivers: What waiver must you sign to get retainage, and does it waive too much?
- Prompt payment: Are there deadlines and interest if retainage is paid late?
Browse sample payment and retainage language in our clause library.
Retainage calculator FAQs
BizLeaseCheck provides informational, educational analysis and is not legal advice.