Finance

Emergency Fund Calculator

How big your safety net should be, and how long to build it.

Enter your values

Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed.

Results
Target fund
$19,200.00
Still needed
$15,200.00
Months to get there
31 months
Current coverage
1.3 months

Quick answer

An emergency fund should cover three to six months of essential expenses — rent, food, utilities, insurance, minimum debt payments and transport.

How to use the Emergency Fund Calculator

  1. 1Add up your essential monthly costs.
  2. 2Choose how many months of cover you want.
  3. 3Enter current savings to see the gap.

Frequently asked questions

Three months or six?

Three is reasonable for a dual-income household in a stable job; six or more suits single earners, freelancers and commission roles.

Should the fund be invested?

No. It needs to be instantly accessible and stable in value, so cash or a high-yield savings account is the right home.