Cash Flow Calculator — Net Cash Flow, Burn Rate & Runway

Plan your month: model inflows and outflows, estimate net cash flow, operating burn rate, and cash runway with an interactive chart.

Input-Validated
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Cash Flow Chart
Net Cash Flow (Monthly)
₹0

Calculate Cash Flow & Runway

Enter monthly inflows and outflows. Optionally include one-time cash changes and a cash buffer to estimate runway more realistically.

₹2.5L
Cash on hand (bank + cash equivalents). This is used to estimate your runway when net cash flow is negative.
₹5L
Examples: customer payments received, subscriptions collected, interest income, other receipts.
₹6.2L
Include recurring operating costs + any expected monthly debt repayments to reflect cash reality.
Use this to model a one-off event that affects your current month's cash position (positive or negative).
₹50K
Runway is calculated until your cash drops to this buffer (not until it hits zero).
12M
The chart repeats your monthly inflows/outflows across the horizon to show a forward-looking cash balance path.
Month-by-Month Projection (Horizon)
Operating Burn (Monthly)
₹0
Runway Estimate
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Monthly Cash Flow

Bars compare inflows vs outflows. Line shows ending cash balance if you start with your current cash and repeat the month for the selected horizon.

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Net Cash Flow (Monthly)
₹0
Neutral
Total Inflows ₹0
Total Outflows ₹0
Operating Burn Rate ₹0
Runway to Buffer —
End Cash (Month 1) ₹0

Smart Tips

Separate timing: profit ≠ cash. Large receivables can show revenue without inflow.
If net cash flow is negative, runway improves most by reducing fixed outflows (rent, salaries, subscriptions).
Maintain a buffer for payroll and statutory payments; runway "to buffer" helps you plan before emergency.
Model one-time events (tax, funding) separately to avoid misleading monthly averages.
Use the chart horizon to stress-test slower collections or higher vendor bills.

Monthly Cash Flow

Same chart optimized for mobile viewing.

How to Use Cash Flow Calculator?

1

Select Currency

Choose INR, USD, or GBP from the header. This tool defaults to USD because cash-flow/runway planning is widely used across global startups and businesses.

2

Enter Monthly Inflows & Outflows

Add your expected receipts (inflows) and payments (outflows) for an average month.

3

Include One-time Events

Model a funding round, tax payment, or equipment purchase as a one-time inflow/outflow for this month.

4

Analyze Net, Burn & Runway

Review net monthly cash flow, operating burn rate, and runway to your chosen cash buffer using the results and chart.

Understanding Cash Flow Calculation

What is Cash Flow?

Cash flow is the movement of cash into and out of a business or personal budget over a period. Positive cash flow means you are adding cash; negative cash flow means you are consuming cash.

How is Cash Flow Calculated?

This tool computes net monthly cash flow as the difference between total monthly inflows and total monthly outflows, adjusted by a one-time net cash change (if provided) for the current month.

Core Formulas Used

Net Cash Flow (Month 1) = Monthly Inflows − Monthly Outflows + One-time Net Change
Operating Burn Rate = max(0, Monthly Outflows − Monthly Inflows) (excludes one-time events to avoid distorting ongoing burn)
Runway to Buffer (months) = (Starting Cash − Buffer) ÷ Operating Burn (only when burn > 0)

Factors Affecting Cash Runway

Uses & Benefits

Runway planning

Estimate how many months you can operate before cash hits your chosen buffer.

Burn rate visibility

Separate one-time events from ongoing burn to avoid misleading "average month" decisions.

Scenario testing

Stress-test changes in inflows/outflows and observe the cash-balance path over the horizon.

Risk control

A cash buffer policy reduces missed payroll and late-payment penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between net cash flow and burn rate?
Net cash flow is the net change in cash for a period (inflows − outflows, plus any one-time change if included). Burn rate focuses on ongoing cash consumption and is typically used when outflows exceed inflows—this tool calculates operating burn as max(0, outflows − inflows) and intentionally excludes one-time events.
Why does runway use a cash buffer instead of zero?
Many teams cannot operate safely at near-zero cash due to payroll timing, vendor terms, and emergency expenses. A buffer creates a realistic "stop point" for runway planning.
Does this include working capital changes (inventory, receivables)?
Indirectly, yes—if you model the cash impact in your inflows and outflows. For detailed working capital forecasting, you'd typically break inflows/outflows into line items and timing (collections and payment terms).
Why does the chart repeat the same month across the horizon?
This tool is designed for quick scenario planning using an average month. Repeating makes it easy to see direction (cash growing vs shrinking). Use month-by-month breakdown for the simulated cash balance path.
Do you convert currency values?
No. Currency selection changes the symbol and formatting only. For accuracy, input values in the same currency you want displayed.

Trust & Notes

Privacy Friendly

All calculations run locally in your browser.

Transparent Formulas

Net, burn, and runway computed from your inputs.

Input Validation

Guards against invalid values and formats.

For Estimation

Actual cash flows may vary by timing and seasonality.

Disclaimer: This cash flow calculator is a planning tool and not accounting, tax, or financial advice. It uses your monthly totals and (optionally) one-time cash changes to estimate net cash flow, operating burn rate, and runway to a chosen cash buffer. Real-world cash outcomes depend on invoice collection timing, payment terms, seasonality, financing, taxes, and unexpected events. Verify with your financial statements and professional guidance where needed.