Estimate exactly how much cash you need to launch — and how long it will last — before your business brings in its first steady revenue.
All fields update your results instantly.
One-time startup costs
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Monthly operating costs
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Cash needed for 6 months of runway
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Total capital needed to launch
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Most new businesses fail not because the idea was wrong, but because they ran out of cash before revenue caught up. This calculator separates your costs into two buckets — what you pay once to get the doors open, and what you pay every month to keep them open — so you can see the real number you need in the bank before you launch.
What counts as a one-time cost? Anything you pay once to get set up — equipment, legal filings, your first batch of inventory, and building your initial website or brand assets.
What counts as a monthly cost? Recurring expenses you'll pay whether or not you make a sale that month — rent, payroll, marketing retainers, insurance, and software subscriptions.
How much runway should I plan for? Many advisors suggest budgeting for 6-12 months of operating costs, since it commonly takes longer than expected to reach consistent revenue. Adjust the runway field above to stress-test different timelines.
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