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Emergency Fund Calculator

Find out how much you need in your emergency fund based on your monthly expenses and desired coverage period. See your progress toward your target.

$
$
Emergency Fund Progress
$03%$18,000
Target Fund
$18,000
Still Need
$17,500
Progress
3%
Months Coverage
6 mo

How to Use This Calculator

1
Calculate your monthly essential expenses
Include rent/mortgage, utilities, food, insurance premiums, and minimum debt payments. Exclude discretionary spending like dining out or subscriptions.
2
Choose your coverage target
3 months for stable dual-income households; 6 months is the standard; 9–12 months for self-employed, freelancers, or single-income households.
3
Enter current savings
This shows your gap and progress percentage toward your target emergency fund.

Real-World Examples

Single Income, $3,000/mo Expenses
Monthly Expenses
$3,000
Coverage
6 months
Current
$500
ResultTarget: $18,000 — Need $17,500 more

6-month cushion is the standard recommendation for single-income households.

Dual Income, $5,000/mo + $8K Saved
Monthly
$5,000
Coverage
3 months
Current
$8,000
ResultTarget: $15,000 — 53% there

Dual-income households can often get by with 3 months; $8K puts them over halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

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