Emergency Fund Goal Calculator

Figure out exactly how big your emergency fund should be — and how long it'll take to build it — based on your monthly expenses, job stability, and current savings.

Emergency Fund Target
Months of Expenses Recommended
Current Savings
Amount Still Needed
Months to Reach Goal

About this calculator

Calculate how much you need in your emergency fund based on monthly expenses, job stability, and dependents, plus how long it will take to reach your goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many months of expenses should I save?

Most experts recommend 3-6 months of essential expenses, but those with unstable income or more dependents should aim higher, up to 8-10 months.

Should I include all expenses or just essentials?

Use only essential expenses (housing, food, utilities, insurance, minimum debt payments) — not discretionary spending — since this fund is for true emergencies.

Where should I keep my emergency fund?

A high-yield savings account is ideal — it should be liquid and safe, not invested in the stock market.