Emergency Fund Calculator
How much should you keep for emergencies? This free calculator sizes your fund to your actual expenses and situation, then tracks your progress and projects your finish date.
Open the free Emergency Fund Calculator →Free, no account, no email — your numbers stay in your browser.
How much emergency fund do you need?
A fully funded emergency fund is typically three to six months of expenses — the buffer that keeps a job loss or a big medical bill from turning into debt. This calculator recommends your target based on two things:
- Your monthly expenses — the real number you'd need to cover each month.
- Your stability — single-income households or variable/commission income lean toward six months; dual stable incomes can lean toward three.
Track it to a finish date
Enter what you've saved and how much you can add each week or month, and the calculator shows a progress bar and the date you'll reach your goal — so a vague "someday" becomes a real target.
Frequently asked questions
How many months of expenses should an emergency fund be?
Usually three to six months. Fewer earners, self-employment, or variable income argue for six; a stable dual income can lean toward three.
Where should I keep my emergency fund?
In a safe, liquid account — high-yield savings or a money-market account — so it's there instantly when you need it and isn't exposed to market swings.
Is this emergency fund calculator free?
Yes, completely free and private. No account, no email; your inputs stay in your browser.
What counts as an emergency?
A true, unexpected necessity — a job loss, urgent medical or car repair — not a planned purchase or a sale you don't want to miss.