Estimating Startup Costs
Most entrepreneurs underestimate startup costs by 25-50%. Include one-time costs (equipment, legal, deposits) plus operating expenses for 6-12 months. Its better to overestimate than run out of cash.
Startup Cost Calculator
Calculate initial capital requirements
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Business setup
We’ll compare your totals to typical ranges for this business type.
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Cash on hand (savings, pre-seed, grants) to fund your launch.
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Recommended: 10-20% of one-time costs to cover unexpected expenses.
One-time startup costs
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Monthly operating expenses
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Startup cost summary
Budget one-time costs and runway capital to understand how much you need to launch.
Total one-time costs
$25,520
Monthly burn rate
$11,400
Runway target
12 months
Operating capital needed
$136,800
Total startup capital needed
$162,320
Funding gap
$137,320
Current runway
2.2 months
Runway with full funding
14.2 months
Benchmark ranges
10,000 - 30,000 one-time | 2,000 - 5,000 monthly
Compare to peers to ensure your launch assumptions are realistic.
Cost breakdown
Top cost drivers account for 67.5% of your total launch budget. Focus on renegotiating or deferring these items to reduce capital needs.
- Salaries & Wages$60,000 (37.5%)
- Rent / Lease$24,000 (15.0%)
- Inventory Replenishment$24,000 (15.0%)
- Marketing & Advertising$12,000 (7.5%)
- Initial Inventory / Supplies$5,000 (3.1%)
- Utilities$3,600 (2.3%)
- Supplies & Materials$3,600 (2.3%)
- Equipment & Technology$3,000 (1.9%)
Expected revenue (optional)
Enter monthly revenue forecasts (comma- or newline-separated) if you want a cash projection. Leave blank for a conservative zero-revenue plan.
Cash runway projection
Insights & next steps
Warnings
- Funding gap of $137,320.00. Plan how to raise or borrow the missing capital.
- Current cash only covers 2.2 months of burn. Secure funding or reduce expenses to reach 12 months.
- Monthly burn exceeds typical range for similar businesses. Aim to lower fixed costs until revenue stabilizes.
Suggested actions
- Top three cost categories consume most of your budget. Focus your cost-cutting and negotiation efforts there.
Calculate initial capital requirements
Enter your one-time startup costs and first months operating expenses.
Runway Planning
Runway is how long you can operate before making profit. Most businesses take 12-18 months to reach profitability. Having 6-12 months of operating expenses in reserve is prudent. This reduces stress and allows time to build the business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Startup Cost Calculator
Service businesses: $2k-10k. Retail stores: $50k-250k. Restaurants: $250k-500k. Manufacturing: $500k+. These are rough estimates - use this calculator to build a detailed budget for your specific business.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This Startup Cost Calculator provides estimates for educational and informational purposes only. Actual results may vary significantly based on individual circumstances, market conditions, regulatory changes, and other factors beyond the scope of this calculator.
The calculations and projections provided are based on assumptions and historical data that may not reflect future performance.Past performance does not guarantee future results.
This tool is not financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or investment advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult with qualified professionals including:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for tax matters
- Licensed attorney for legal matters
- Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for investment decisions
Data Accuracy: All data sources, statistics, and rates were verified as accurate as of October 2025. Tax rates, market conditions, and other financial data change over time. Always verify current rates and consult official sources.
No Warranties: While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Use this tool at your own risk.