Startup Runway Calculator
Calculate startup runway in months from cash balance and burn rate. Free, instant, browser-based.
How Startup Runway Calculator Works
Runway (months) = Cash Balance ÷ Monthly Net Burn. Also calculates the projected zero-cash date based on today's date. This is the single most important survival metric for pre-profitability startups. Y Combinator recommends maintaining 18–24 months of runway at all times, providing buffer time to hit milestones and run a fundraising process.
This tool uses industry-standard formulas and calculations to provide accurate results instantly. All calculations happen in your browser — your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.
Whether you're optimizing marketing campaigns, managing finances, or processing data, this tool gives you the precision and speed you need to make informed decisions quickly.
Runway Decision Points
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Above 24 months | Strong — time to scale aggressively |
| 18–24 months | Healthy — begin fundraising planning if needed |
| 12–18 months | Start fundraising now — rounds take 6+ months to close |
| Below 12 months | Critical — immediate action required on burn reduction or revenue |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is startup runway?
Startup runway is the number of months a company can operate before exhausting its cash at the current net burn rate. Formula: Cash Balance ÷ Monthly Net Burn. It's the single most important survival metric for pre-profitability companies.
How much runway should I have?
Y Combinator's standard advice is 18–24 months at all times. This gives enough buffer to hit meaningful milestones (typically 12 months of work) and time to run a fundraising process (typically 3–6 months).
When should I start fundraising?
When you have 12–15 months of runway remaining. Earlier if the market is difficult or you're targeting larger rounds. Never start when you have under 6 months — desperation is visible to investors and weakens your position significantly.
Is my data stored?
No.
Can I use this on mobile?
Yes.
About This Tool
Built by the Calcyo team and last updated June 2026. All calculations follow industry-standard methodology. No data leaves your browser — calculations run entirely client-side using JavaScript. If you spot an error in the formula or benchmark data, email us at support@calcyo.xyz.