Runway Calculator
Find out exactly how long your savings will last
What is Financial Runway?
Your financial runway is how long your savings will last based on your monthly expenses. It's like a countdown timer showing how much time you have before running out of money.
How Does the Runway Calculator Work?
Enter Your Savings
Tell us how much money you currently have saved up (checking, savings, emergency fund - all combined).
Add Monthly Expenses
Include all your essential costs: rent, groceries, utilities, insurance, loan payments, etc.
Include Any Income
Add money you still receive monthly: freelance work, rental income, part-time jobs, etc.
See Your Runway
Get instant results showing exactly how many months and days your money will last.
Calculate Your Runway
Your Financial Runway
Breakdown
Runway Visualization
Understanding Your Financial Runway
6+ Months
Strong PositionYou're in great shape! This gives you flexibility to be selective about job opportunities and handle unexpected expenses.
- Can quit job confidently
- Time for thorough job search
- Buffer for emergencies
- Negotiating leverage
3-6 Months
Proceed with CautionYou have some cushion but should be strategic about timing and have backup plans ready.
- Start job search before quitting
- Have side income ready
- Cut discretionary expenses
- Consider part-time options
Under 3 Months
Build More SavingsYour runway is too short for comfortable job transitions. Focus on building savings first.
- Delay quitting if possible
- Aggressively cut expenses
- Build emergency fund first
- Secure new job before leaving
How to Extend Your Runway
Increase Savings
- Save 20-30% of income aggressively
- Sell unused items for quick cash
- Use bonuses for runway building
- Consider a high-yield savings account
Reduce Expenses
- Cancel unnecessary subscriptions
- Cook at home more often
- Find cheaper housing options
- Negotiate bills and insurance
Add Side Income
- Freelance your existing skills
- Start a side hustle
- Rent out a room or parking space
- Take on part-time work
Common Runway Questions
What is a financial runway calculator?
A financial runway calculator shows you how long your savings will last based on your monthly expenses and any ongoing income. It's called a "runway" because it shows how much time you have before your money runs out - like an airplane needs enough runway to take off safely.
How do I calculate my financial runway?
The basic formula is: Total Savings ÷ (Monthly Expenses - Monthly Income) = Months of Runway. For example: $12,000 savings ÷ ($4,000 expenses - $500 income) = $12,000 ÷ $3,500 = 3.4 months of runway.
What expenses should I include in runway calculation?
Include all essential expenses you must pay: rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance premiums, minimum loan payments, transportation costs, and any dependent care. Don't include discretionary spending like dining out, entertainment, or shopping that you could eliminate if needed.
How much runway do I need before quitting my job?
Most financial experts recommend at least 3-6 months of expenses, but 6-12 months is much safer for job transitions. The exact amount depends on your industry (how long job searches typically take), your skills marketability, and your personal risk tolerance.
Should I include investment accounts in my runway calculation?
Only include easily accessible investments without penalties. Include: savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs (if close to maturity), and taxable investment accounts. Don't include: 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts that have early withdrawal penalties.
What if I have negative cash flow (expenses exceed income)?
If your expenses are higher than your income, you're burning through savings each month. The calculator shows how long until your money runs out. Focus on either increasing income (side hustles, freelancing) or cutting expenses to extend your runway.