Emergency Fund Calculator
Find how big your emergency fund should be — 3 to 6+ months of essential expenses — and how long it will take to save it.
For information and education only — not financial advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; check important decisions with a qualified professional.
How to use
- 1Enter your essential monthly expenses and how many months you want covered.
- 2Add what you have saved and how much you can put aside monthly.
How it's calculated
Target = monthly essentials × months. Months to goal = (target − current savings) ÷ monthly saving.
Frequently asked questions
How many months should I save?
Three months is a common minimum; six or more if your income is irregular, you're self-employed, or you're the only earner in the household.
Which expenses count?
Only essentials you must keep paying if your income stops: housing, utilities, food, insurance, transport and minimum debt payments.
Where should I keep it?
Somewhere safe and instantly available, like a high-yield savings account — not invested in stocks.