Early-stage startups at $10K MRR often target 12–18 months of runway while validating product-market fit. Adjust inputs to model your own cash, burn, and revenue.
Early-stage startups at $10K MRR often target 12–18 months of runway while validating product-market fit.
Net monthly burn
$15,000.00
Runway
3.3 months
Runway (years)
0.3
Runway is the number of months your company can operate at its current spending pace before cash reaches zero. For venture-backed SaaS startups, runway is one of the first metrics investors ask about because it signals how much time you have to hit milestones before the next fundraise.
Net burn matters more than gross burn. If you spend $80,000 per month but collect $50,000 in recurring revenue, your net burn is $30,000 — and that is the number that determines runway, not the full expense figure.
Enter your current cash balance (checking, savings, and any committed credit lines you realistically plan to draw). Add total monthly operating expenses and, if applicable, monthly recurring revenue.
Use the result as a planning baseline, not a forecast. Hiring plans, churn spikes, or successful upsells will change net burn every month. Revisit the calculator after major budget decisions.
Founders sometimes exclude payroll taxes, benefits, or annual software renewals from monthly burn. Spread annual costs across twelve months for a realistic average.
Do not count uncommitted fundraising as cash on hand. Only include money already in the bank or under signed SAFE/note agreements with clear close dates.