Burn Rate Calculator
Know Your Startup Runway
Instantly calculate gross burn, net burn, and cash runway. Essential for founders, CFOs, and investors to manage cash flow and plan fundraising.
What is the Burn Rate Calculator?
A critical financial tool for startups and growing businesses. Calculate gross burn (total monthly expenses), net burn (cash spent after revenue), and runway (months until cash runs out). Essential for fundraising planning and cash management.
Most startups fail because they run out of cash — not because they lack a good idea. Understand your true cash position, plan your next fundraising round, and make informed decisions about hiring, marketing, and product development.
Everything you need to manage startup cash
From burn rate to fundraising scenarios — complete cash flow visibility.
Gross Burn Rate
Total monthly cash outflow — all operating expenses including salaries, rent, software, and marketing.
Net Burn Rate
Gross burn minus monthly revenue — your actual cash consumption after income.
Cash Runway
Months until cash runs out at current burn rate. Critical for fundraising planning.
Fundraising Scenarios
See how raising different amounts extends your runway. Plan your next round with confidence.
Cost Reduction Impact
See how cutting expenses by 10%, 20%, or 30% extends your runway.
Revenue Growth Impact
See how increasing revenue reduces net burn and extends runway.
How the Burn Rate Calculator works
Three inputs → complete cash flow analysis.
Monthly Expenses
Salaries, rent, software, marketing
Monthly Revenue
Total monthly income
Current Cash Balance
Cash in bank accounts
Get Full Analysis
Gross burn, net burn, runway
Cash is oxygen for startups
Running out of cash is the #1 reason startups fail. Here's why tracking burn rate is essential.
Most startups have 12-18 months of runway. Know exactly when you'll need to raise more.
Investors ask "What's your burn rate and runway?" Have the answer ready.
Each new hire adds to burn. Calculate the impact before posting that job req.
Start raising when you have 6-9 months of runway left — not when you're desperate.
See exactly where your money goes. Cut what doesn't drive growth.
Burn rate tracking for every startup role
From founders to investors — actionable cash flow insights.
Startup Founders & CEOs
- Track monthly cash consumption
- Plan fundraising rounds strategically
- Make hiring decisions with cash impact
- Present runway to board members
- Avoid running out of money
CFOs & Finance Teams
- Build cash flow forecasts
- Calculate gross vs net burn accurately
- Run scenario analyses for cost cuts
- Prepare investor updates
- Manage working capital
Investors & Board Members
- Evaluate portfolio company health
- Assess fundraising needs
- Monitor cash efficiency metrics
- Benchmark burn rates across startups
- Advise on cost optimization
Fractional CFOs & Advisors
- Quickly assess client cash position
- Recommend runway extension strategies
- Model fundraising scenarios
- Prepare board presentations
- Identify cash flow red flags
Built on standard startup finance formulas
Same metrics used by VCs, accelerators, and startup CFOs — completely free.
Gross Burn = Total Expenses
Sum of all operating costs including salaries, rent, software, marketing, and overhead.
Net Burn = Gross Burn - Revenue
Your true cash consumption after accounting for income. Zero or negative = breakeven/profitable.
Runway = Cash ÷ Net Burn
Months until cash runs out at current burn rate. Most investors want 12-18 months.
SEOScaleUp vs. spreadsheets & paid finance tools
Free, sophisticated, and private — no subscription required.
| Feature | SEOScaleUp ✓ | Manual Spreadsheet | Paid Finance Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross burn calculation | ✓ | ~ | ✓ |
| Net burn calculation | ✓ | ~ | ✓ |
| Cash runway in months | ✓ | ~ | ✓ |
| Fundraising scenario analysis | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cost reduction impact | ✓ | ✗ | ~ |
| Revenue growth scenarios | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Export runway report | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No signup / private | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Monthly price | $0 | $0 | $29-199 |
Burn rate questions answered
Everything about cash burn, runway, and startup finance.
Know your cash runway in seconds
Join 500,000+ startups that use SEOScaleUp to track burn rate and plan fundraising. No signup, no fees, complete privacy.