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Startup Cost Estimator

Estimate how much you need to start your business

Estimator

Estimate Your Startup Costs

Enter estimated costs across key categories. The tool totals everything and shows how much runway you need.

One-Time Costs:

Legal / Registration ($)

Equipment / Furniture ($)

Initial Inventory ($)

Website / Branding ($)

Deposits / Buildout ($)

Other One-Time ($)

Monthly Recurring Costs:

Rent ($)

Payroll ($)

Insurance ($)

Marketing ($)

Software / Subscriptions ($)

Other Monthly ($)

Months of Runway Needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How many months of runway should I have?

Most advisors recommend 6–12 months of operating expenses before launching. Service businesses can sometimes start with 3 months. The more uncertain your revenue timeline, the more runway you need.

What costs do first-time founders forget?

Insurance (liability, health), taxes (self-employment, quarterly estimated), accounting/bookkeeping fees, payment processing fees (2.9%% for cards), and the "miscellaneous" category that always ends up larger than expected. Budget 15–20%% extra for surprises.