Startup Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost to start a business by adding one-time setup expenses, monthly operating costs, runway and contingency.
Overview
A startup cost calculator helps you estimate how much capital you may need to launch a business and support it through the first few months. Enter your one-time setup costs, monthly operating expenses, runway period, contingency and expected early revenue to build a clearer starting budget.
How it works
The calculator adds your one-time startup expenses to the total operating costs for your chosen runway period. It then applies your contingency percentage to that combined amount to produce an overall startup budget estimate. It also compares expected monthly revenue with monthly operating costs to show whether you may face a monthly funding gap at launch.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your estimated one-time setup costs.
- 2Add your expected monthly operating costs.
- 3Choose how many months of runway you want to fund.
- 4Set a contingency percentage for unexpected costs.
- 5Enter your expected monthly revenue at launch.
- 6Review the total startup cost and monthly funding shortfall.
Example Calculation
One-time setup costs
$20,000
Monthly operating costs
$6,000
Months of runway
6
Contingency
10%
Expected monthly revenue at launch
$2,500
Estimated total startup cost
$61,600
With 20000 in setup costs, 6000 per month in operating costs, 6 months of runway and a 10% contingency, the estimated startup cost is 61600. The monthly funding shortfall at launch is 3500.
Frequently asked questions
What does this startup cost calculator estimate?
It estimates the total amount you may need to start your business, including one-time setup costs, operating runway and a contingency buffer.
What are one-time setup costs?
These are startup expenses you usually pay once, such as equipment, licenses, legal setup, branding, website development, deposits or initial inventory.
What are monthly operating costs?
Monthly operating costs are recurring business expenses such as rent, payroll, software subscriptions, insurance, utilities and ongoing marketing.
What is startup runway?
Runway is the number of months you want to cover your operating costs before your business is expected to generate enough income to support itself.
Why should I include a contingency?
A contingency helps account for unexpected expenses, delays, higher quotes or early mistakes in your budget estimates.
Does expected revenue reduce the startup cost result?
Not in this version. Revenue is shown separately through the monthly shortfall so you can judge whether your early income may cover ongoing costs.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- This calculator assumes your monthly operating costs stay broadly consistent during the runway period.
- Expected revenue is treated as a simple estimate and is not used to reduce the total startup budget directly.
- Taxes, financing costs and business-specific regulatory fees may not be fully included unless you add them to your costs.
- The contingency percentage is applied to setup costs and runway costs together.
- Results are estimates and should be adjusted for your business model, location and timing.
Warnings
- This calculator provides an estimate only and is not financial advice.
- Actual startup costs can vary significantly based on industry, location, staffing and timing.
- Review your plan carefully before making major funding or spending decisions.