Startup Costs Calculator
This free startup costs calculator estimates how much cash you need to launch your business. List your one-time costs — equipment, deposits, licenses — add your monthly burn, choose how many months of runway to fund, and get your total launch budget instantly.
Enter your numbers
One-time startup costs
Monthly recurring costs
Your results
| Breakdown | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-time costs | — |
| Monthly burn × 6 months | — |
| Contingency buffer | — |
| Total launch cost | — |
How to use this calculator
Start with your one-time costs. Use the quick-add chips for common items — equipment, deposits, licenses — or type your own and click ＋ Add one-time cost. Enter each amount as your best estimate; use the × button to remove a row.
Next, add your monthly recurring costs: rent, salaries, software, insurance, utilities, marketing. Set how many months of runway you want to fund — six is the default — and optionally add a contingency buffer of 10–20% for surprises.
Your total updates instantly as you type. The results panel shows your one-time total, monthly burn, and full launch budget, so you know exactly how much cash to raise or save before day one.
How it works
The math is simple addition. Total launch cost = one-time costs + (monthly burn × months of runway). If you set a contingency buffer, it is applied to that subtotal: total = subtotal × (1 + contingency%). For example, $8,000 one-time + $1,200/month × 6 months = $8,000 + $7,200 = $15,200 to launch.
Assumptions: monthly costs stay flat for the whole runway (no inflation or growth), everything is paid in full with cash, and taxes, loan payments, and owner draws are not included unless you add them as line items. All results are estimates for planning — not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What should I include as one-time startup costs?
Include expenses you pay once to get open: equipment, security deposits, licenses and permits, legal and accounting setup fees, initial inventory, website build, and office setup. Anything you pay every month belongs in monthly recurring costs instead.
How many months of runway should I fund before launching?
Six months is the standard default and covers the slow start most businesses have. Fund nine to twelve months if your sales cycle is long or your income is seasonal. Change the runway above to see how it moves your total.
Should I include my own salary in monthly costs?
Yes, if you need the business to cover your living costs before it earns money. Founders often leave this out and run out of cash in year one — put it in if the business has to pay it.
What is the difference between startup costs and runway costs?
Startup costs are paid once — equipment, deposits, licenses. Runway costs are your monthly burn multiplied by the number of months you want to fund. This calculator adds them together: total launch cost = one-time costs + (monthly burn × months of runway).
How accurate is this startup costs estimate?
It is a planning estimate, not a guarantee — actual costs vary by industry and location, and prices change. Add a 10–20% contingency buffer for surprises; the calculator applies it to your total when you fill in the contingency field.