How this calculator works
Enter your essential monthly expenses, choose how many months of cover you need, and add what you've saved and what you can save each month. The calculator gives your target, the remaining gap and the time to reach it.
Choosing months of cover
Three months suits stable dual-income households; six months is a sensible default; nine to twelve months suits single, variable or self-employed incomes. Read our emergency fund guide for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
Which expenses count as essential?
Housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, transport, childcare and minimum debt payments.
Where should I keep the fund?
In a liquid, insured savings account — not in stocks.
Should I invest once it's full?
Yes — redirect the monthly transfer to retirement and long-term goals.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and depend on the assumptions you enter. They are not an offer of credit or financial advice. Last reviewed October 2026.