How much runway should a startup keep?

There is no universal amount. Model a conservative revenue ramp and enough cash for operating costs, delays, and contingencies relevant to the business.

Are startup templates exact?

No. They organize common categories; local quotes, lease terms, staffing, regulation, and business model determine actual costs.

BUSINESS

Business Startup Cost Calculator

Estimate one-time and recurring business startup costs, first-year cash needs, available funding, and the remaining funding gap.

First year$376,500One-time costs plus twelve months of operating costs

One-time costs$67,500Paid before the doors open

Funding gap$376,500Enter the cash you already have

THE FIRST YEAR

Where the startup money goes.

Monthly operating costs are $25,750. The chart is each category’s one-time cost plus a year of its monthly cost.

Category	First year
Legal and Administrative	$5,500
Location and Facilities	$51,000
Equipment and Supplies	$39,400
Marketing and Branding	$42,000
Technology and Software	$17,600
Human Resources	$221,000
Total	$376,500

THE COSTS

What it takes to open.

Starting pointLoads a set of typical costs you can edit.Available funding

Legal and Administrative

One-timeMonthly

NotesConfidence, 80%

Location and Facilities

One-timeMonthly

NotesConfidence, 75%

Equipment and Supplies

One-timeMonthly

NotesConfidence, 85%

Marketing and Branding

One-timeMonthly

NotesConfidence, 70%

Technology and Software

One-timeMonthly

NotesConfidence, 90%

Human Resources

One-timeMonthly

NotesConfidence, 85%

Cost entries and available funding stay in this browser so you can return to the draft. Anonymous measurement never includes these values.

How startup cash needs are estimated

Add one-time opening costs such as equipment, licenses, deposits, and setup.
Multiply recurring monthly costs by 12 to estimate first-year operating needs.
Add one-time and first-year recurring costs.
Subtract available funding to show the remaining funding gap or cushion.

Worked example

A business with $25,000 of one-time costs and $5,000 of monthly costs needs an estimated $85,000 for its first year before revenue. With $40,000 available, the modeled gap is $45,000.

Assumptions and boundaries

Category estimates reflect the timing selected in the tool.
The first-year view does not assume revenue unless you net it into your estimates.
Templates are starting points and should be replaced with quotes for the actual location.

Important limitation: This budget excludes taxes, financing costs, changing sales, and unforeseen delays unless entered. Validate licenses, insurance, payroll, and working-capital needs with qualified local advisers.

Sources and review

Methodology and links reviewed September 22, 2026. This educational estimate is not financial, tax, legal, investment, or lending advice.

U.S. Small Business Administration startup cost guide

Frequently asked questions

How much runway should a startup keep?: There is no universal amount. Model a conservative revenue ramp and enough cash for operating costs, delays, and contingencies relevant to the business.
Are startup templates exact?: No. They organize common categories; local quotes, lease terms, staffing, regulation, and business model determine actual costs.