Survive the slow months
Freelance Burn Rate Calculator
Enter what you have saved, what you spend, and what you bring in. See how long your runway really is — and how worried to be.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is my burn rate?
It is how much money you spend each month to live and run your business. Your runway is your savings divided by that burn rate — the number of months you could survive if income stopped today. Knowing it turns "I think I am fine" into a real number.
How much runway should a freelancer keep?
A common target is three to six months of expenses. Three months is the minimum buffer for an inconsistent pipeline; six months lets you turn down bad clients and ride out a slow season without panic. Build toward it before you take big risks.
Should I include irregular income?
If you have steady recurring work, enter a conservative monthly average — it extends your realistic runway. Leave income at zero to stress-test the worst case where everything dries up at once. Both numbers are shown so you can see the gap.
What counts as a monthly expense?
Everything you must pay: rent or mortgage, food, utilities, insurance, debt payments, subscriptions and essential business software. Be honest and slightly pessimistic — underestimating expenses is the most common way runway math goes wrong.
These calculators give estimates to help you think — not financial, tax or legal advice. Double-check anything that matters with a professional.