Startup Cost Calculator
Estimate how much capital you need to launch your business. Get a detailed breakdown of one-time costs, monthly expenses, and total runway requirements.
Startup Cost Calculator
Estimate how much capital you need to launch
Management, IT, or other consulting
Your living expenses during runway
Total Capital Needed
$85,080
For 12 months of runway
$8,500
$5,200
$173
$14,180
One-Time Costs
Computers, machinery, furniture, tools
Business registration, contracts, initial accounting setup
Business licenses, industry-specific permits
Logo, website, marketing materials
Monthly Recurring Costs
Electric, water, internet, phone
SaaS tools, accounting, CRM, etc.
Ads, content, PR, events
Liability, property, professional
Day-to-day supplies and materials
Your living expenses
- *Start from home to minimize costs - a coffee shop or coworking pass is often enough
- *Build your network before spending on marketing - referrals are your best channel
- *Keep 3-6 months of runway in reserve beyond your plan - unexpected costs always arise
How to Use This Calculator
Select your business type to load industry-typical cost estimates. The calculator includes presets for consulting, e-commerce, SaaS, service businesses, retail, and restaurants.
Adjust the number of employees and runway months based on your plans. More employees and longer runway significantly increase capital requirements.
Set your founder salary to cover your living expenses during the startup phase. Don't forget to include a contingency buffer for unexpected costs.
Understanding Your Results
One-time costs are expenses you pay once at launch - equipment, legal setup, initial inventory, security deposits, and renovations.
Monthly burn rate is your ongoing monthly expenses including rent, utilities, software, marketing, and salaries. This determines how quickly you consume your capital.
Total capital needed combines one-time costs plus monthly burn multiplied by runway months, plus your contingency buffer. This is the minimum you need to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a small business?
Startup costs vary widely by business type. A consulting business might start with $5,000-$10,000, while a restaurant could require $100,000-$500,000. E-commerce businesses typically fall in between at $10,000-$50,000. Use this calculator with your specific business type for accurate estimates.
What is runway and why does it matter?
Runway is how long your business can operate before running out of money. Most experts recommend 12-18 months of runway. This gives you time to become profitable or raise additional funding without running out of cash.
Should I include a contingency buffer?
Yes, always include a 15-25% contingency buffer. Unexpected costs always arise - equipment breaks, permits cost more than expected, or revenue takes longer to materialize. A contingency buffer prevents these surprises from sinking your business.
What are one-time vs monthly costs?
One-time costs are paid once at startup (equipment, legal fees, deposits, renovations). Monthly costs recur each month (rent, utilities, salaries, marketing). Your total capital needs include both one-time costs plus monthly costs multiplied by your runway months.
How much should I pay myself as a founder?
Pay yourself enough to cover living expenses without stress. Many founders take below-market salaries initially, but taking nothing leads to burnout. A common approach is covering your basic needs (housing, food, insurance) while reinvesting the rest.
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