Emergency Fund Calculator
Estimate how much cash buffer you need and see how long it lasts based on your monthly essentials.
Monthly essentials
Focus on the must-pay items your emergency fund should cover.
Rent or mortgage, property taxes, HOA dues, and utilities.
Car payments, fuel, insurance, transit passes, rideshare.
Groceries and essential meal spending.
Health, auto, renters, or other insurance premiums.
Minimum payments on credit cards, loans, or other debts.
Childcare, medical costs, or other must-have spending.
Runway length
Choose how many months of expenses the fund should cover.
Most planners suggest 3–6 months. Adjust up if your income is variable.
About this calculator
An emergency fund is a cash buffer designed to cover essential expenses if income stops.
It buys time to find new work or stabilize your finances without relying on high-interest debt.
This calculator helps you translate monthly essentials into a recommended fund size and a runway timeline.
What counts as monthly essentials?
- Housing – Rent or mortgage, utilities, and other must-pay housing bills.
- Food & groceries – Core grocery spending and essential meals.
- Transportation – Commuting costs, fuel, transit, and required car expenses.
- Insurance – Health, auto, renters/homeowners, or other required premiums.
- Minimum debt payments – Minimum required payments to avoid default or major penalties.
- Other must-pay obligations – Childcare, required medical costs, or other non-negotiable bills.
How does an emergency fund work?
Emergency funds are typically kept in cash or cash-like accounts so the money is available when you need it.
The key input is your essential monthly expenses—not total spending—because the goal is to cover must-pay bills during a disruption.
Many people target 3–6 months of coverage, but the right runway depends on income stability, dependents, and fixed obligations.
Tips for building your emergency fund
- Start with real data – Use recent statements to estimate essentials realistically.
- Revisit as life changes – Update the fund when rent, insurance, or family needs change.
- Keep it accessible – Favor liquidity and simplicity over chasing returns.
- Automate contributions – Small, regular transfers can build the fund with less friction.