Savings Runway Calculator
Know exactly how much to save before quitting your day job.
Your Numbers
$
Use our startup cost calculator to estimate.
$
Rent, food, utilities, car, insurance, etc.
$
Rent, insurance, marketing, software, supplies.
Your Savings Goal
Startup Costs
Personal Expenses ( months)
Business Expenses ( months)
Emergency Buffer (10%)
Total Savings Needed
If you save /month, you'll reach your goal in months.
Common questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.01 How much should I save before starting a business?
Most financial advisors recommend having your startup costs plus 6-12 months of personal living expenses plus 3-6 months of business operating costs saved before going full-time. For a business with $10,000 startup costs and $4,000/month personal expenses, that means $34,000-$58,000 minimum.
Q.02 Can I start a business with no savings?
You can start a side business with minimal savings, but going full-time without a financial cushion is risky. 82% of small business failures cite cash flow problems. Start part-time while employed, build revenue, then transition when savings cover at least 6 months of expenses.
Q.03 How long should my runway be?
Service businesses (cleaning, consulting, freelancing) can typically reach profitability in 3-6 months — a 6-month runway works. Businesses requiring build-out (restaurants, retail) need 9-12 months. The more conservative your runway, the less pressure you feel making decisions.
Q.04 What if I run out of money?
Set a "walk away" number before you start — the minimum bank balance where you return to employment. Common approach: when savings drop below 2 months of personal expenses, take a part-time job while continuing the business. Never exhaust your emergency fund entirely.