Emergency Fund Size Calculator

Financial experts recommend 3-6+ months of expenses in an emergency fund, but the right target depends on your job stability, dependents, and other income sources. This calculator personalizes your target and projects your savings timeline.

Recommended Emergency Fund Target
Recommended Months of Coverage
Amount Still Needed
Months to Reach Goal
Current Savings

About this calculator

Determine how large your emergency fund should be based on monthly expenses, job stability, dependents, and income sources, with a month-by-month savings plan to reach it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many months of expenses should be in an emergency fund?

Most guidance suggests 3-6 months, but this can rise to 9-12 months for unstable jobs, single-income households, or multiple dependents.

Should I include non-essential expenses in the calculation?

No, typically only essential expenses like housing, utilities, food, insurance, and minimum debt payments are used to size an emergency fund.

Where should I keep my emergency fund?

A high-yield savings account is common, since it keeps funds liquid and accessible while earning some interest.