Emergency Fund Calculator
How big your emergency fund should be, the gap, and months to build it.
About this tool
List essential monthly costs โ housing, utilities, food, transport, insurance, minimum debt payments, childcare, medical โ tick what describes your situation, and the suggested months adjust. Add what you have saved and can save each month to see the target, the gap, months already covered and how long until you're there.
Sizing an emergency fund
An emergency fund is money you can reach within a day for a job loss, a medical bill or an urgent repair, so a bad month does not land on a credit card. The usual guidance is three to six months of essential expenses โ not your full spending, because in a real emergency you would cut subscriptions, holidays and eating out. Add months when the risk is higher: one income in the household, commission or irregular pay, self-employment, dependants, or an industry that is cutting jobs; some advisers suggest up to a year for freelancers. Keep the money in an instant-access savings account rather than investments, which can be down exactly when you need them. Build it after any employer pension match and before investing beyond that, and refill it after you use it. Starting small matters: even one month of essentials changes how a surprise bill feels. General information, not financial advice. The budget planner finds the monthly saving, the savings goal calculator adds interest, the debt-to-income calculator checks your debts, and How to set a savings goal: the arithmetic, the interest, and the habits that make it stick covers the habits.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I have in an emergency fund?
Three to six months of essential expenses for most people; more if you are self-employed, on a single or variable income, or support dependants.
Where should I keep my emergency fund?
In an instant-access, low-risk account such as a high-interest savings account โ not in shares, where its value can fall when you need it.
Should I pay off debt or build an emergency fund first?
Many advisers suggest a small starter fund (one month) first, then high-interest debt, then the full fund.
Is my data saved?
No. Figures are calculated in your browser and nothing is stored or sent.