Startup funding calculator
What opening payments and cash reserve does your plan need?
Capital to arrange
Complete the inputs to see the result.
Check the complete worked calculation
The numbers below use the initial worked inputs. They are a teaching case; changing the calculator updates its result above, while this worked example remains fixed.
| Measure | Calculation or scope | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Opening payments | Exact initial example input | $255,900.00 |
| Largest cumulative operating deficit | Opening balance zero; full entered flow sequence | $24,902.34 at month 2 |
| Operating reserve | Deficit + retained cash floor | $54,902.34 |
| Total opening funding | Opening payments + operating reserve | $310,802.34 |
The reserve pays for timing losses and retains the entered floor. It is not another project expense. Replace the monthly averages with dated receipts and payments before arranging funding; the horizon does not establish viability beyond it.
Calculations retain full input precision. Displayed amounts are rounded. Continue with the related planning guide and worksheet →
Read the result within its limits
The reserve covers only the months you enter. There is no assumed terminal recovery, lending or extra buffer. Opening payments must exclude this separately calculated reserve.
This is a project funding requirement before financing and owner withdrawals. Include or exclude income tax consistently and state that choice. The loaded example excludes income tax and assumes no change in working capital; those are explicit simplifications.
Read the startup budget checklist →See the whole financial chain.
Use the restaurant worked example to connect opening capital, revenue, costs and cash. All its financial values are synthetic.
Financial information disclaimer
Published research and calculations support business planning and education. They are not personalized financial, investment, tax or legal advice, and they do not guarantee costs, revenue, profit or financing. Estimates depend on the stated format, location, source periods and assumptions. Check the requirements and commitments that apply to your circumstances.