Emergency Fund Calculator
How much to keep in a HYSA for 3, 6, or 12 months of expenses.
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Result
You have 1.8 months of expenses saved
$8,000.00
- 3 months target (lean)11 months$13,500.00
- 6 months target (standard)38 months$27,000.00
- 12 months target (cautious)92 months$54,000.00
- Coverage right now1.8 months
- Suggested next milestone3 months
How to use this calculator
- Add up just essential monthly costs (housing, food, transport, insurance, debt minimums) — not entertainment or eating out.
- Enter your current emergency-fund balance only (not retirement, not investments).
- Set how much you can stash each month.
About this tool
An emergency fund is liquid cash for the unexpected — job loss, medical bill, car breakdown — kept somewhere safe and accessible (high-yield savings, not invested). The standard rule of thumb: 3-6 months of essential expenses. Lean toward 3 months if you have a stable job, dual income, low fixed costs. Lean toward 12 months if you're a freelancer, single-income family, or in a volatile industry. This calculator shows all three targets and how long it'll take to hit each at your current savings rate.
Frequently asked
A high-yield savings account (HYSA) — currently paying 4-5% APY. Not in stocks (could be down 40% when you need it), not in crypto, not in 401(k) (locked).
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