Emergency Fund Runway Calculator
An emergency fund's real value is measured in months of runway, not just dollars. This calculator factors in your essential monthly expenses, any partial income (like unemployment benefits or part-time work), and ongoing contributions to project exactly how long your safety net will last.
About this calculator
Project how many months your emergency savings will last against essential expenses, factoring in partial income and monthly savings growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many months of emergency fund should I have?
Most financial planners recommend 3-6 months of essential expenses, with 6-12 months for freelancers or single-income households.
What counts as an essential expense?
Housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, minimum debt payments, and transportation — not discretionary spending like dining out or subscriptions.
Why include an income confidence slider?
Partial income sources like unemployment benefits or freelance gigs aren't guaranteed, so weighting them by confidence gives a more realistic runway estimate.