Emergency Fund Calculator
How big should your safety net be? Set a target in months of essential expenses and see how long until you’re fully funded.
Example: with Monthly essential expenses $3,500 · Months of cushion 6 months · Saved so far $5,000 · Saving per month $500 → Emergency fund target: $21,000.
- Still to save$16,000
- Time to fully funded2 yr 8 mo
- Current savings covers1.4 months
Computed by the calculator below using its default values. Change any input to see your own numbers.
Where you land
How you compare to other people
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High-yield savings for your emergency fund
Learn moreThree to six months
An emergency fund keeps a job loss, car repair or medical bill from becoming debt. The standard target is 3 to 6 months of essential expenses — lean toward three if your income is stable and dual, and six or more if you’re self-employed, single-income, or have variable pay. Keep it somewhere safe and liquid.
How it’s calculated & sources
Target = monthly essential expenses × months of cushion. We subtract what you’ve saved and divide the gap by your monthly contribution to estimate the time to fully fund it.
Benchmark: 3–6 months of essential expenses (Bankrate / CFPB guidance).
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I keep it?
In a high-yield savings account or money-market fund — safe, liquid and earning interest. Not in stocks, which can drop right when you need the cash.
Build it before investing?
Build a starter fund (~1 month) first, then balance investing with topping up the emergency fund. The full cushion protects your long-term investments from forced selling.