Startup Runway & Burn Rate Calculator

See exactly how many months of runway you have left, your net and gross burn rate, and the month your cash hits zero — so you know when to raise or cut.

Your numbers

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Results

Runway
Net burn / mo
Gross burn / mo
Default alive?
Burn multiple guide
Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice, and results are estimates based on the figures you enter. Cap-table, SAFE, and dilution outcomes depend on specific legal terms — always confirm with your accountant, lawyer, or a qualified advisor before making decisions.
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Frequently asked questions

What is startup runway?

Runway is how many months your company can keep operating before it runs out of cash, assuming your current burn rate. It is calculated as cash on hand divided by net monthly burn.

What is the difference between gross and net burn?

Gross burn is your total monthly cash outflow (all expenses). Net burn subtracts revenue: net burn = expenses − revenue. Runway is based on net burn.

How much runway should a startup have?

A common rule of thumb is to keep 18–24 months of runway after a raise, and to start fundraising again with at least 6 months left. Under 6 months is generally considered the danger zone.

What does "default alive" mean?

Coined by Paul Graham, "default alive" means that based on current growth and expenses, a startup would become profitable before running out of money — without raising more. "Default dead" is the opposite.