Startup Runway Calculator — How Long Until You Run Out of Cash?
Calculate startup runway, burn rate, and when you need to raise or reach profitability.
Enter Your Numbers
Your Results
Runway
16 months
Monthly Net Burn
$30,000
Break-Even
Mo 10
Status
Default Alive
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How This Calculator Works
Runway = Cash / Net monthly burn. Net burn = Monthly expenses - Monthly revenue. Break-even month = log(expenses/revenue) / log(1 + monthly growth rate). Default alive = break-even before cash runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Runway (months) = Cash on Hand ÷ Net Burn Rate. Net burn = Monthly Expenses - Monthly Revenue. $500K cash at $50K/month net burn = 10 months runway.
Always aim for 18-24 months. This gives time to hit milestones and raise the next round without desperation. Below 12 months: raise immediately or cut burn.
Gross burn: total monthly spend. Net burn: spend minus revenue. Aim for net burn that gives 18+ months runway. VCs watch burn multiple: burn ÷ net new ARR.
Start raising when you have 12-18 months of runway left. Fundraising takes 3-9 months. Never raise when desperate — leverage disappears below 6 months runway.
Cut non-essential spend, delay non-critical hires, reduce founder salaries, negotiate vendor deferred payments, increase revenue (best option), use revenue-based financing.
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Calculations are for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.