Emergency fund calculator
How big your emergency fund could be, how many months you already have covered, and when you reach each milestone.
Emergency Fund Builder & Calculator
Log deposits, see your milestones fill up and project your balance month by month.
How the math works
Target = essential monthly costs × months. The months depend on how steady your income is: 3 for two steady incomes, 6 for one income or variable pay, 9 if you are self-employed. You can type your own number. Example: essentials of $3,050 × 6 = $18,300. With $2,820 saved and $400 a month, the remaining $15,480 takes 39 months (rounded up).
How much should be in an emergency fund?
A common rule of thumb is 3 to 6 months of essential costs, and more if your income is irregular. It is a starting point, not a rule: pick what lets you sleep at night.
What counts as an essential cost?
What you would still have to pay if your income stopped: housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, transportation, minimum debt payments and phone. Leave out dining out, subscriptions and extra debt payments.
Why start with $1,000?
A small starter fund covers many common surprises, like a car repair, and gives you a first milestone to reach quickly before working toward the full target.
Organizing tool, not financial advice. Examples use made-up numbers.