Emergency Fund Calculator
Calculate how much you need in your emergency fund and how long it will take to get there.
Target Fund Size
$24,000
6 months × $4,000/mo
Remaining Gap
$16,000
Months to Goal
2y 8m
At $500/mo, the estimated timeline to reach the target is about 2y 8m
Savings Growth Over Time
Your Information
Monthly Essential Expenses
Non-Essential Expenses (optional)
Target Fund
$0
Current Coverage
0.0 months
Funding Gap
$0
Time to Goal
0 months
Coverage Milestones
1 Month Coverage
Not projected
3 Months Coverage
Not projected
6 Months Coverage
Not projected
6 Months Coverage
Not projected
Monthly Expenses
Risk Assessment
Elevated Risk — A larger emergency fund may be warranted
Savings Projection
Projected emergency fund balance over time based on your monthly contribution and expected return.
Building Your Financial Safety Net
Why Emergency Funds Matter
An emergency fund protects against going into debt when unexpected expenses arise—job loss, medical emergencies, car repairs, or home maintenance. Without this buffer, reliance on high-interest credit cards or loans can create a cycle of debt.
Where to Keep an Emergency Fund
A high-yield savings account (HYSA) separate from regular checking is a common choice. This keeps the money accessible within 1-2 days while earning interest. Emergency funds are typically kept in stable, liquid vehicles rather than volatile investments.
About This Analysis
This calculator provides estimates based on the inputs you supply. It assumes standard amortization and does not account for taxes, insurance, PMI, prepayment penalties, or the opportunity cost of funds. Results are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
- ·Projected timelines assume consistent monthly contributions.
- ·HYSA rates vary and are not guaranteed.
- ·Actual emergency fund needs depend on individual circumstances.
Related Resources
Related Calculators
Also Consider
Quick Reference
- 50/30/20 Budget GuidelinesNeeds/wants/savings breakdown with examples
- Cost of Living by CityComparison of major US metros
- Inflation Rate HistoryCPI trends, purchasing power over time
- Emergency Fund Guidelines3 vs 6 vs 12 months — who needs what
- High-Yield Savings RatesCurrent top rates for savings accounts
- CD Rates & TermsCurrent rates by term length
Insights
3 calculators · 6 reference pages