Financial Runway Calculator
See how many months your liquid savings can cover expenses if income drops.
Inputs
Result
Runway
4.0 months
Burn $2,500.00/mo · ends ≈ Sep 20, 2026
Visual breakdown
Savings
$10,000.00
Monthly burn
$2,500.00
Runway
4 mo
Ends ≈
Sep 20, 2026
Formula
Burn = max(0, expenses − income). Runway = savings ÷ burn. If income ≥ expenses, burn is zero and runway is open-ended.
Example
$10,000 saved ÷ $2,500/mo expenses = 4 months of runway.
Related: Emergency fund · Monthly budget · Savings rate
How to use
- Use only liquid savings — cash, checking, HYSA, short-term funds.
- Set monthly expenses to a realistic 'survival' baseline.
- Add any reliable side income to extend the runway.
When it's useful
- Considering a sabbatical, layoff scenario, or job switch.
- Sanity-checking your emergency fund against real burn.
- Planning a business runway from personal savings.
Common examples
$10,000 / $2,500 expenses
≈ 4 months of runway.
Some side income $1,000
Burn drops; runway extends.
Income ≥ expenses
Cash-flow positive — runway is open-ended.
Frequently asked
Should I include retirement accounts?
Generally no — early withdrawals incur penalties. Stick to liquid savings.
What's a 'good' runway?
3 months is a basic buffer; 6 months is stronger; freelancers or owners often target 9–12.
What if income > expenses?
You're cash-flow positive — runway is effectively unlimited, and savings grow.
Does it model investment growth?
No. For interest-earning savings goals, use the Savings calculator.
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