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Freelance Runway Calculator

See how many months your savings buy you between gigs — your real safety net.

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$
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Any income that continues between gigs (optional).

Your runway

4 months

4 months of cover

Savings$12,000.00
Net monthly burn$3,000.00
Runway4 months

Runway is freelance peace of mind, quantified

Runway is how long your savings would keep you afloat if income stopped — your monthly burn divided into your cash. For a freelancer, knowing this number is the difference between negotiating from strength and taking any rate out of fear.

Enter your savings, your monthly expenses, and any income that continues (a part-time gig, a partner's contribution). The calculator nets them into a monthly burn and shows how many months you have.

How much runway is enough

A common target is three to six months of expenses, more if your income is lumpy. Build the buffer in good months by setting aside a fixed share of every payment — the same habit that funds your tax bill funds your runway.

Frequently asked questions

How many months of runway should a freelancer have?
Three to six months of expenses is a common floor, and more is wise if your work is seasonal or your client base is concentrated. The lumpier your income, the bigger the buffer should be.
What counts as monthly expenses?
Everything you must pay to keep going: rent, food, utilities, insurance, debt payments, and essential business costs. Be honest — understating expenses overstates your runway.
What if income covers my expenses?
Then your net burn is zero or negative and your runway is effectively indefinite at the current level — your savings are not being drawn down. The calculator flags this case.
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Last updated 2026-06-02.