Startup Cost Calculator
Add up one-time and monthly costs to see your true startup budget — and how many months of runway your cash buys.
One-time costs
Monthly costs
Your startup budget
How to use the startup cost calculator
- Add each one-time cost (equipment, deposits, licenses, website build) with its amount.
- Add each recurring monthly cost (rent, salaries, software, insurance).
- Enter the cash you have available.
- The calculator totals your launch budget and divides the remainder by monthly burn to show runway in months.
Startup budgeting tips
The most common budgeting mistake founders make is counting only the big obvious costs and forgetting the small recurring ones — software subscriptions, payment processing fees, and insurance add up fast. A good rule is to add a 15–20% contingency buffer on top of your calculated launch budget, because something always costs more than expected. Runway is the number that matters most: it tells you how many months you can operate before the money runs out, and most advisors suggest launching with at least 12–18 months. If your runway is under six months, cut monthly burn before you spend a dollar — renegotiate, defer hires, or start leaner. Revisit this sheet monthly; a budget you never update is just a wish.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a one-time startup cost?
Anything you pay once to get going: equipment, security deposits, business registration, initial inventory, website development, and signage.
What is runway?
Runway is how many months your business can operate on available cash. It equals (cash minus one-time costs) divided by monthly burn.
How much runway do I need?
Twelve to eighteen months is the common target — enough time to find customers and adjust without constant fundraising pressure.
Should I include my own salary?
Yes, if you need to live off the business. Founder living expenses are a real monthly cost and belong in the burn rate.