Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a business?
Startup costs vary widely by industry. A home-based service business might start for under $1,000 while a restaurant could need $300,000+. This calculator helps you estimate your specific startup costs by category.
What is a startup runway?
Runway is how many months your savings will last before you run out of money. Most advisors recommend 12-18 months of runway before launching. Calculate your runway by dividing your savings by your monthly burn rate.
What costs should I include in my startup budget?
Include one-time costs (equipment, licenses, website, legal fees) and ongoing monthly costs (rent, salaries, software, marketing, insurance). This calculator separates both categories automatically.
Is this startup cost calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no account needed. All calculations happen instantly in your browser.
How it works
- Enter your expected one-time setup costs like equipment and licenses.
- Estimate your ongoing monthly expenses like rent and software.
- Input your total savings and the amount you want to keep as an emergency fund.
- See your total startup budget and runway calculated instantly.
Tips for best results
- •Always overestimate expenses by at least 20% to account for surprises.
- •A safe startup budget includes 3-6 months of operating costs.
- •Don't skip the personal emergency fund. Never risk 100% of your savings.